2023 Children’s Mayor Olive Nielsen has a simple piece of advice for her successor.
At a glance
- The City of Hobart is launching its Children’s Mayor program for 2024.
- This initiative aims to empower young voices and cultivate a deeper sense of civic engagement among Hobart's youth.
- The winning students will be honoured during Children's Week 2024 in a special reception and award presentation and also participate in select official duties alongside the Lord Mayor and her delegates.
“To just go with your idea and don't be worried about what other people will think about it,” Olive said.
“You should just really focus on what you think you would like to see as in Hobart.”
The 12-year-old (pictured) will finish her term as the Children’s Mayor later this year, with the program soon opening for Hobart primary school students to submit their manifesto beginning with the phrase, “If I was Children’s Mayor of Hobart, I would….”
Olive, held the title of City of Hobart Children’s Mayor for her submission, “Let’s power Hobart SUSTAINABLY!”
She said enjoyed being given a voice as Hobart’s Children Mayor.
"Young people have really cool ideas about ways to improve Hobart, this competition is your chance to have your idea heard by the Council,” Olive said.
"The experience gave me better insight into how Council works and how decisions are made for our city.
"Councillors listened to what I had to say and asked lots of questions about my idea, the experience helped my confidence.
"It was fun putting on the robes and imagining what you would change if you were the Lord Mayor."
It has even made her think about doing the role permanently when she is an adult.
"Maybe, it'd be fun to do it,” she said.
“And it was really fun to put on the robes every time and pretend I really was the mayor.”
This initiative aims to empower young voices and cultivate a deeper sense of civic engagement among Hobart's youth.
Students from primary schools throughout Hobart are encouraged to participate by crafting a short manifesto outlining how they would enhance the city for its youngest residents.
Commenting on the initiative, Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said, "The Children's Mayor program provides a unique platform for our city's youngest residents to share their innovative ideas and contribute to shaping the future of Hobart.
“We are excited to hear the creative solutions and fresh perspectives that these young leaders will bring to the table."
Following a rigorous evaluation process by the Lord Mayor and her selection panel, the Hobart Children's Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be chosen to represent the voice of Hobart's youth.
The winning students will be honoured during Children's Week in October 2024 in a special reception and award presentation.
In addition to recognition, the Children's Mayor and Deputy Mayor will have the opportunity to participate in select official duties alongside the Lord Mayor and her delegates.
They will shadow the Lord Mayor in November 2024, attending meetings and experiencing a day in the life of the Hobart Lord Mayor.
Furthermore, the Children's Mayor and Deputy Mayor will have the chance to present their manifestos at a Council meeting or the City's Annual General Meeting, providing them with a platform to advocate for their ideas on a larger scale.
For more information about the Children's Mayor program and how to participate, please visit here.