An opportunity to help shape the next chapter of one of NSW's significant heritage organisations.
Transport Heritage NSW Ltd (THNSW) is seeking expressions of interest from an accomplished senior leader or experienced Director to join its Board as a Non-Elected Appointed Director for a three-year term commencing in November 2026.
THNSW is entering an important next phase.
As the organisation continues to deliver its strategic direction, steward significant heritage assets and collections, strengthen organisational capability and build its relationships across government, industry and the community, the complexity and scale of the opportunities before it continues to grow.
We are seeking an individual with the experience, standing, judgement and networks to materially strengthen the collective capability of the Board and help THNSW navigate its next phase of development.
This is an opportunity for an established leader to contribute at Board-level to an organisation with a unique role in preserving and bringing NSW's transport heritage to life.
The Opportunity The THNSW Board comprises eight Directors: The Chair, appointed by the NSW Minister for Transport; four
Elected Directors; and three Appointed Directors.
Appointed Directors are selected in accordance with the THNSW Constitution to complement the existing
Board and strengthen its collective mix of knowledge, experience, capability and diversity.
For this appointment, we are particularly interested in candidates who bring significant executive, senior leadership and/or Board experience, combined with strong professional standing and established networks.
We are looking for someone who can contribute beyond their individual area of technical expertise –
someone who can bring strategic perspective, ask the right questions, constructively challenge thinking,
build relationships and help identify and unlock opportunities for THNSW.
Priority Capabilities The Board is particularly interested in individuals with substantial experience and networks across one or more of the following areas:
Governance & Organisational Culture
Contemporary governance, organisational leadership, transformation, organisational development and building high-performing, accountable and sustainable cultures.
Government & Senior Stakeholder Relations
Strong government, industry and institutional networks, with demonstrated experience influencing and engaging senior decision-makers and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
Finance, Commercial & Business
Senior financial and commercial leadership, business sustainability, investment, partnerships, commercial strategy and complex decision-making.
Museums, Heritage & Collections
Executive or governance experience within museums, cultural institutions, heritage organisations,
collections, conservation and preservation.
Heritage & Strategic Asset Management
Governance or executive experience overseeing significant asset portfolios, infrastructure, property,
lifecycle planning and/or complex heritage assets.
Safety, Risk & Assurance
Board or executive-level experience in safety governance, enterprise risk, regulatory environments,
assurance and organisational resilience.
Fundraising & Philanthropy
Demonstrated success in institutional fundraising, philanthropy, major donor engagement, foundations,
corporate partnerships and developing sustainable alternative revenue streams.
Candidates are not expected to bring expertise across every area. Rather, we are seeking an individual whose depth of experience, professional standing and connections in one or more of these areas will add a distinctive capability to the Board.
The Person We Are Looking For The successful candidate is likely to be an established senior executive, experienced Director or recognised leader who can demonstrate:
- significant senior executive, Board or equivalent strategic leadership experience;
- strong commercial and organisational judgement;
- the ability to operate strategically while understanding the practical realities of a complex organisation;
- established senior-level professional, government, industry, institutional and/or philanthropic networks;
- the confidence and judgement to constructively challenge, influence and contribute to Board decision-making;
- a collaborative approach and ability to work effectively with fellow Directors, management and key stakeholders;
- a solid understanding of contemporary governance, risk and Directors' responsibilities; and
- a genuine interest in contributing their experience and networks to the future of Transport Heritage NSW.
Previous Board experience is highly desirable
Completion of, or current participation in, the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Company
Directors Course, or equivalent governance qualifications and experience, will be highly regarded.
The successful appointee will be required to hold a Director Identification Number (DIN) before appointment.
Diversity of Thought
THNSW recognises that effective Boards benefit from diversity of thought, experience and perspective.
We welcome expressions of interest from candidates with diverse cultural, social, educational and professional backgrounds and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates who can contribute a breadth of experience, perspective and thinking to the Board.
Our focus is on appointing a director who complements the existing Board and brings a perspective,
capability and network that can make a meaningful contribution to THNSW's future.
Term of Appointment The initial appointment will be for three (3) years, commencing following THNSW's 2026 Annual General
Meeting on 14 November 2026 and concluding at THNSW's 2029 Annual General Meeting.
Appointed Directors are not limited to a single term,
with any subsequent reappointment being for a further three-year term in accordance with the THNSW Constitution.
Commitment
Directors are expected to actively participate in the governance, strategic leadership and activities of
THNSW.
The commitment includes
- a minimum of six (6) Board meetings each calendar year, together with preparation and reading time;
- active participation in at least one Board Subcommittee and occasional attendance at others;
- attendance at the Annual General Meeting;
- occasional special Board meetings and strategic workshops; and
- attendance at selected THNSW events and activities.
Board meetings are conducted in a hybrid format and may be attended in person or online via Microsoft
Teams. Board and Subcommittee meetings are generally scheduled well in advance and are typically held in the late afternoon or outside normal business hours.
Remuneration
This is an unpaid Director position.
Limited reasonable expenses may be reimbursed from time to time in accordance with THNSW arrangements.
About Transport Heritage NSW
Transport Heritage NSW Ltd (THNSW) is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. THNSW works with its members, volunteers, employees, government, partners and the broader heritage sector to preserve and bring NSW's transport heritage to life.
Our Vision is
The NSW Transport Heritage sector working together, connecting people, the past and present to preserve our transport heritage for future generations.
Our Mission is
Bringing transport heritage to life!
Learn more about Transport Heritage NSW at:
www.thnsw.com.au/
THNSW's Constitution, Code of Conduct, Board Charter and Board Directors' Nomination Criteria and
Information Pack are available within the Governance section at:
www.thnsw.com.au/about
Annual Reports and strategic plans are available at:
www.thnsw.com.au/reports-plans
Expressions of Interest For a confidential discussion or further information regarding this opportunity, please contact:
Megan Lavender
Company Secretary
[email protected]
Dimitri Cachia
Head of Finance & Corporate Resources
[email protected]
How to Apply
Expressions of interest should include:
- a current CV;
- a statement of no more than three (3) A4 pages in Arial 11-point font outlining:
- why you are seeking appointment to the THNSW Board;
- the strategic capability, experience and perspective you would bring;
- your experience relevant to one or more of the priority capability areas;
- the professional, industry, government, institutional and/or other networks relevant to your potential contribution
- your Board, governance and senior leadership experience;
- your relevant qualifications; and
- the names and contact details of two referees.
Closing Date for Applications
All applications are to be submitted via email to Megan Lavender, Company Secretary, at the email address provided above.
Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm on Sunday, 11 October 2026.
📌 Board Member (New South Wales)
🏢 Transport Heritage NSW
📍 New South Wales