City of Yarra Councillors have elected Independent Councillor, Claudia Nguyen, as Mayor and Councillor, Edward Crossland, as Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months.
The election took place at a ceremonial Council Meeting on Monday evening.
Mayor Nguyen said she will be focusing on driving sustainable outcomes for future generations, helping to transform Yarra into a smart and innovative city, and making sure Council responds to the people in the community who most need support.
“I want to ensure everyone has a voice in decision making, particularly young people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, LGBTIQA+ people, and vulnerable people living within our community,” the new Mayor said.
“As Mayor, I am committed to working with my fellow Councillors to ensure that Yarra continues to engage with all members of our vibrant community to deliver on our ambitious Council Plan.
“A particular focus for my term will be on improving our financial sustainability to ensure Council can continue to deliver its services to a high standard.”
Mayor Nguyen comes from an extended family of refugees, who came to Australia after fleeing the Vietnam War. Her family settled in Yarra’s public housing estates when they first arrived in Australia, which is where she grew up.
The Mayor says she has a strong interest in youth empowerment, celebrating LGBTIQA+ communities, and advocating for vulnerable people living in Yarra.
Yarra’s outgoing Mayor, Sophie Wade said Mayor Nguyen will bring valuable perspectives to the role.
“I am extremely pleased that Claudia Nguyen has been elected as our new Mayor. Claudia is clever, a clear communicator, and will be a brilliant leader for Yarra.”
“As a young, queer, woman of colour, Claudia directly represents many major groups in Yarra, and will be a fabulous advocate for a more inclusive system,” she said.
Before being elected Mayor, Cr Nguyen was the City of Yarra’s 2020-2021 Deputy Mayor.
