Children's Mayor
Since 2021 the Hobart Children's Mayor Program has encouraged democratic awareness among primary school students, supporting a greater understanding of local government, the democratic process and the role of elected representatives.
The program invites primary and infant school children within Hobart to submit an idea they believe would make Hobart a better place to live - for children and the broader community.
Students from the Hobart municipality are encouraged to participate in the program by developing a short manifesto about how they would make Hobart a better city for children, starting with the line:
If I was Children's Mayor of Hobart I would…"
Selected students then have the opportunity to participate in a small number of official duties alongside the Lord Mayor or their delegate.
If you would like your school to get involved or find out more information about the program, please email us at: renato.langiu@hobartcity.com.au
Children's Week 2024
Held between the 19 and 27 of October, this year's Children's Week theme highlights the Children's Right based on Article 24 of the UNCRC: 'Children have the right to a safe and clean environment.'
On October 23, delegates from eight primary school in Hobart attended the Lord Mayor's Reception for Children's Week at the Hobart Town Hall. During the reception Lord Mayor Cr Anna Reynolds together with Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Dr Zelinda Sherlock and the Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People, Isabelle Crompton, announced the winning students.
The Children's Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be invited to spend time with the Lord Mayor, attending meetings with City of Hobart officers relating to their area of interest, followed by a presentation of their ideas to the Hobart City Council AGM in December.
The 2024 judging panel included the Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People, the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor, and the 2023 Children’s Mayor Olive Nielsen.
The panel considered all responses and selected the Children's Mayor Lola Mennetz from Friends School and Children's Deputy Mayor Alice Plimpton from Lansdowne Crescent School on the strength of their proposals and the effort their work showed.
The panel have also provided three highly commended awards to Lucy Taylor from Fahan School, Luca Mignanelli from Hutchins School and Eleanor Clark from South Hobart Primary.
