Hobart’s first Children’s Mayor and Deputy declared
Published on 28 October 2021
Hobart's inaugural Children’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor have today been “elected”, following a competition to put forward ideas for Hobart’s future.
As a part of National Children’s Week, Hobart school students were encouraged to participate in local government, and experience life in Town Hall for themselves.
Students from schools across the city were invited to write their own manifestos as to what they would do if given the role of Lord Mayor of Hobart. The winning manifestos were then read at a formal reception in Hobart Town Hall this morning, with Alexander Johnstone from Lansdowne Crescent Primary School being declared the inaugural Children’s Mayor.
Alexander’s manifesto Saving the Earth on Two Wheels! encouraged a greater focus on active transport.
“I propose the creation of electric bike stations situated around town,” the winning entry states. “This would encourage people to stop using their cars … It would be free if people returned it by 6pm.”
Lenah Valley Primary School’s Edie Tracey earned the role of Deputy Children’s Mayor with a manifesto titled Hobart 360: Closing the Loop, addressed the growing problem of recycling soft plastics, which could not be included in domestic recycling bins.
“Children see things differently than we do as adults, and their insights can bring ideas that otherwise may never have been considered,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.
The Children’s Mayor and Children’s Deputy Mayor will retain their titles for the month of November and will present their manifestos to the full Council at its meeting on Monday 8 November.
They will also attend this weekend’s Hobart Town Hall open day in their “official” capacity.
“We really want to highlight the value of children in our society,” Cr Reynolds said. “It’s good for them to gain an understanding of how Council works, and the importance of participation in local government.”
A total of 15 manifestos were received from students attending a range of public and private schools within the Hobart LGA.
The theme of National Children’s Week 2021 is “Children have the right to choose their own friends and safely connect with others”, based on Article 15 of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of the Child. More information can be found at the Children’s Week Council of Australia website, childrensweek.org.au.