About Lachlan
Hello, I'm Lachlan!
A community advocate, transport nerd, aviation geek, and planning enthusiast with experience across not-for-profit, community, and government sectors.
President of the Royal Federation of Aero Clubs of Australia
President of the Royal Aero Club of New South Wales
Member of the Order of Liverpool (MLO)
2024 Australian Aviation Rising Star
2023 CASA Young Achiever of the Year
2021 Canterbury-Bankstown Young Citizen of the Year
2020 Fairfield Young Citizen of the Year (Medallion Winner)
Work and Impact
Lachlan’s work spans leadership, advocacy, and community service. From aviation and youth development, mental health to civic engagement, each initiative reflects his drive to create meaningful impact across Australia.
Royal Aero Club of New South Wales, President & Chairman
Since 2023, Lachlan has led the re-establishment of the state’s oldest aviation organisation, headquartered at Camden Airport and now the Southern Hemisphere’s largest volunteer-run flying school. As President & Chairman, he sets strategy, strengthens a high-performing team, secures training aircraft and funding, and oversees safety, compliance and continuous improvement in partnership with the Part 141 CEO and Head of Training Operations to meet CASA standards.
Royal Aero Club student pilots and volunteers during the 2025 Flying Training Camp.
Lachlan with VH-UNL, the club’s Piper Warrior.
Justice of the Peace (JP)
Appointed by the Governor of NSW, Lachlan serves his community by witnessing statutory declarations and affidavits and certifying true copies, supporting both local residents and the state’s legal processes.
Community Advocacy and Government Planning
Lachlan's advocacy began on Fairfield City Council's Youth Advisory Committee and grew into place-making and transport proposals across South-Wester Sydney. Highlights include:
- Revitalisation of Chipping Norton Lake: An ambitious plan to activate Sydney’s largest recreational dual parkland-waterway precinct with features such as pedestrian pathways, rehabilitated beaches, and scenic lookouts
- Lennox River Upgrade Proposal: This grassroots movement began with a vision to elevate a local creek to offical river status, underscoring its environmental and historical significance to the local community.
- Georges River Ferry Network: Developed proposals for a ferry network to enhance transportation and connectivity for residents across South-West Sydney utilisation this forgotten “blue highway”.
- Future Infrastructure: Advocated for new metro railways, motorways, and complementary systems to connect and support Sydney’s infrastructure for tomorrow.
Through these and other efforts, Lachlan collaborates with government ministers, mayors, department heads, and subject matter experts to drive actionable solutions with a focus on creating vibrant, connected, and sustainable communities.
Lachlan in 2018 with the Hon. Melinda Pavey (then Minister for Roads and Maritime) and the Hon. Andrew Constance (then Minister for Transport and Infrastructure).
Lachlan in 2020 discussing the Lennox River Upgrade Proposal with the Hon. Matt Kean (then Minister for Energy and Environment).
Youth Decide – South West Sydney Outreach Coordinator
Through Youth Decide, Lachlan partners with councils, schools and community groups to deliver hands-on civics education. He facilitates interactive workshops and mock elections, as well as leads outreach that embeds feedback from students and educators so more young people see themselves as active participants in democracy.
Lachlan with Youth Decide team members following a school workshop.
Students participating in a mock-election as part of Youth Decide’s interactive workshops.
Australian Air League – Group Air Activities Officer & Squadron 2IC
Over 15 years with the Australian Air League, Lachlan served as NSW Group Air Activities Officer (GAAO) and Moorebank Squadron Second in Command (2IC). As GAAO, Lachlan helped manage operations of the volunteer-run Air Activities Centre at Camden Airport working with the Head of Operations, Chief Pilot, and Chief Engineer to maintain Part 141 Flight Training, Part 135 Air Transport, and CAR30 Maintenance standards. Within the 2IC role, Lachlan supported the Officer Commanding in squadron management, community partnerships, successful grant funding and coordinating events. A highlight was helping secure ‘Freedom of Entry’ by Liverpool City Council, the highest civic honour awarded by a city.
Lachlan leading the Australian Air League through the Liverpool City Centre during Moorebank Squadron’s Freedom of Entry March in 2022.
Lachlan with student pilots and the Hon. Peter Sidgreaves (then Camden MP) announcing a NSW Government grant to purchase a Cessna 152.
Sydney CBD Anzac Day March – Assistant to the Chief Band Marshall
Since 2023, Lachlan has assisted Chief Band Marshall Raymond Bell OAM in coordinating and marshalling 40+ pipe, brass and youth bands who participate in the Sydney CBD ANZAC Day March paying tribute to the brave men and women who served Australia.
NSW Youth Council Conference 2024 – Conference Event Organiser
Serving as CEO (Conference Event Organiser), Lachlan helped bring the NSW Youth Council Conference to South-Western Sydney and ultimately to the brand-new Western Sydney University Bankstown CBD Campus. From a 2022 joint bid between the City of Canterbury Bankstown’s Youth Crew, Fairfield City Council’s Youth Advisory Committee, and Liverpool City Council’s Youth Council to delivery in 2024 Lachlan helped lead a youth working party to produce workshops, panels, and creative sessions under the theme "Our Diversity Unites Us". The event connected young leaders and generated practical outcomes for NSW communities.
Lachlan with youth delegates from across New South Wales posing for a selfie.
Group photograph of NSW Youth Council Conference attendees and volunteers.
The Fairy Wren Movement – Co Founder & Director
Lachlan co-founded the Fairy Wren Movement, a youth-led organisation supporting young people facing eating disorders and mental health challenges. Informed by lived experience, the team delivered advocacy, youth-friendly resources and hospital care packages to reduce stigma and improve support pathways. The initiative was informed by lived experience and focused on compassionate, practical help.
Members of the Fairy Wren Executive with the Hon. Wendy Lindsay (then East Hills MP) and the Hon. David Coleman (then Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Presentation).
Fairy Wren Movement founders Lachlan and Angela delivering care packages to the Kids Ward at Sutherland Hospital supporting teenagers and young people on their journey to health.
Liverpool and Fairfield City Champion – Contributing Author
What began as drafting media releases grew into regular by-lined contributions of articles and opinion pieces. Writing focused on issues that matter to residents and helped sharpen Lachlan’s editorial voice keeping local issues front and centre for the community.
NSW Health South West Sydney Local Health District – Youth Health Advisor
Provided youth insights and perspective to help make the public health services within the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) more accessible and responsive. Having worked with clinicians and managers on initiatives that improve the experience and outcomes of young people navigating care.
Lachlan with other members of the NSW Health South-West Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Youth Health Advisory Group.
The Argyle Youth Alliance – Co Founder & Director
Lachlan co-founded the Argyle Youth Alliance, a not-for-profit aimed at creating opportunity for disadvantaged, lower-socioeconomic, and rural/regional young people. Programs centred on mentoring, education, life skills and mental-health support helping close gaps so an individual's postcode doesn't determine their potential.
Argyle Youth Alliance founders Lachlan and Holly during the #FindYourArgyle campaign, pictured with an Argyle streetsign in Parramatta’s CBD.
Members of the Argyle Youth Alliance executive with the Hon. Ben Franklin MLC (then Minister for Regional Youth).
NSW Youth Parliament – Media & Public Relations Manager
Lachlan mentored participants and encouraged electorate-level engagement across New South Wales. Overseeing social media, media relations and government engagement to amplify youth voices, while guiding participants to turn local issues into informed policy proposals.
Lachlan speaking at the dispatch box in the NSW Legislative Assembly as part of the Youth Parliament program.
Lachlan facilitating a committee discussion, pictured here with Youth MPs and Howard Collins from Transport for NSW.
Independent Candidate for Fairfield City Council
In the 2021 Local Government Election, Lachlan ran an independent and youth-focused local campaign finishing 12th out of 32 candidates. Running on platform titled "The Changing Face of a Hard-Working Place”, he presented a seven-step plan to transform Fairfield City. The experience broadened civic engagement and elevated youth perspectives in local debates.
Seven Step Plan
Newspaper Clipping
Election Day
Canterbury Bankstown Council – Youth Mental Health Working Party
Collaborating with Headspace Bankstown, NSW Health South West Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD), Mission Australia, and Youth Off The Streets to shape council messaging and co-deliver the 2022 Youth Mental Health Summit. The partnership modelled how local stakeholders can coordinate support for young people.
Lachlan with other young people as part of the “Meeting of the Minds” youth mental health working party.
Students from local high schools engaging with activities during the 2022 Canterbury-Bankstown Youth Mental Health Summit.
Lennox River – Prospect Creek Upgrade Project
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Lachlan initiated a community proposal to upgrade a 6.5km stretch of Prospect Creek to river status under the Lennox River proposal. The campaign drew upon local history, mapping and environmental context to better recognise the waterway's character and value within the community.
9 News Story on the Lennox River and speech by The Hon. Guy Zangari MP in NSW Parliament.
Fairfield City Council – Youth Advisory Committee Member
On Fairfield City Council's Youth Advisory Committee, Lachlan contributed to the "Strategy for Young People in Fairfield City: 2021-22”, co-developed a Youth Mental Health Campaign with the Mayor, helped plan major events (Cabramatta Moon Festival and Bring It On! Festival), and. represented Fairfield City at the NSW Youth Council Conference – Unleash the Future 2019. Additionally, Lachlan served on the Healthspo and Life Skills council steering committees.
Lachlan with Councillors, local young people, and YAC members at the Bring It On! Festival.
Lachlan facilitating the “Redefining Normal” youth mental health event.
Redefining Normal Youth Mental Health Campaign
Partnering with the Mayor of Fairfield and the City Council, Lachlan helped create a youth-led campaign reframing mental health as a normal part of the human experience. He led planning and creative execution with a team of young people to reduce stigma and connect peers with support.
Interested in collaborating or getting involved?
Connect with Lachlan to explore how his experience and passion can support your project or community.
PROUDLY COLLABORATED WITH THESE ORGANISATIONS
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Acknowledgement of Country
I respectfully acknowledge the original custodians of Greater Western Sydney. Recognising peoples of the Eora, Gundungurra, Tharawal, and Dharug Nations have accessed the land beneath us and skies above us for thousands of years.
I pay respect to their elders and communities past, present, and emerging.
© Copyright 2025 Lachlan Hyde | ABN: 29 148 167 768