Children’s Mayor 2024 Announced: Championing Hobart’s Future

Published on 23 October 2024

A submission for an integrated ferry service covering the entire River Derwent will see the author don the Children’s Mayoral robes for this year.

Lola Mennitz, a 12-year-old student from The Friends’ School, is this year’s City of Hobart Children’s Mayor 2024.

Lola’s submission, titled One side to the other, a matter of time before you decide, proposes a service that links both sides of the river and the northern and southern suburbs, complementing Metro bus services.

Joining Lola is Alice Plimpton, also 12, from Lansdowne Crescent Primary School, as the Children’s Deputy Lord Mayor.

Alice’s submission, Let’s paint our city with endangered flora and fauna to brighten and educate, calls for the creation of murals around Hobart, showcasing local endangered species to increase happiness, wellbeing, and awareness of Hobart’s unique natural environment.

This year’s Children’s Week celebrates Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, focusing on the right to a safe and clean environment.

The Children’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor, along with Highly Commended students, will be officially recognised at the Children’s Week 2024 Reception at Town Hall on Wednesday, 23 October.

The reception will be attended by the Interim Commissioner for Children and Young People, Isabelle Crompton, and will feature a performance by the Young Voices of Hobart.

The Lord Mayor’s Office received 16 applications from students across eight schools this year.

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

“These young leaders are not only passionate about Hobart’s future but also bring forward ideas that are creative and meaningful.

“Lola’s vision for an integrated ferry service reflects our commitment to sustainable transport, while Alice’s call for more public art aligns with our city’s focus on wellbeing and environmental awareness.”

Picture: Children's Mayor Lola Mennitz and Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds in the Town Hall Council Chambers.