Drawing on his own family experience, 12-year-old Noah Dobson from Lenah Valley Primary School has turned a personal challenge into a powerful community idea – earning him the title of Hobart's 2026 Children's Mayor.
Inspired by his two younger brothers who are non-speaking, Noah proposed installing communication boards in every playground across Hobart to make public spaces more inclusive.
"My idea for was to introduce communication boards into playgrounds across Tasmania for non-speaking community members because I have two young brothers who are both non-speaking so it will really impact how they can have conversations with everyone in the community of Hobart," Noah said.
"If my idea was in every playground in Hobart, then any playground my brothers – and hundreds of other non-speaking people – go to, they can have a say on what they do, or they can tell their family how they feel."
An example of a communication board.
Currently, there is only one communication board in the Hobart City Council area, and Noah hopes his idea will set a precedent for other councils.
"Hobart might encourage more councils to introduce their own signs into their areas," he said.
Joining Noah in the leadership team is Deputy Children's Mayor Ellie Huxtable, 12, from Mount Carmel College.
Ellie impressed judges with her creative concept for a historic scavenger hunt designed to boost tourism and promote local businesses.
The Children's Mayor program is part of the City of Hobart's commitment to engaging young people in civic life. It gives students a platform to share ideas, influence decision-making, and learn about local government.
This year's competition attracted a strong number of entries, with Kate Crawford from Lansdowne Crescent School and Ethan Burman from Lenah Valley Primary School receiving Highly Commended recognition.
The announcement was celebrated at Hobart Town Hall with Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People Isabelle Crompton in attendance, highlighting the growing interest among young people in shaping the future of their city.
(Left to right) Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds with 2026 Children's Mayor Noah Dobson and Children's Deputy Lord Mayor Ellie Huxtable.