Two of Brimbank’s future leaders have stepped into civic leadership for a day as part of Brimbank Council’s inaugural Young Mayor for a Day program.
In their joint role as Brimbank’s inaugural young mayors, Brimbank Youth Council members, Maria Ansari, 15, and Zoe Goldenberg, 17, joined Brimbank City Council Mayor, Virginia Tachos, in a jam-packed schedule of meetings and events recently.
The Young Mayor for a Day program was created to give young people from Brimbank a front-row seat to local leadership and decision-making. Participants spend the day alongside the Mayor, gaining insight into how local government works, exploring how decisions are made and sharing their own ideas for the future of Brimbank.
The experience is designed to build civic confidence, encourage future leaders and create meaningful opportunities for young people to influence their community.
Throughout the day, Zoe and Maria met with Council’s executive leadership team, connected with councillors and staff, and learned more about the projects and priorities helping to shape Brimbank’s future.
“As someone who wasn’t born in Australia, Brimbank was my first home here and this was a real full circle moment for me,” said Maria.
“I’ve always had lots of ideas for our community, but I felt like there was a barrier to stepping up. But then I realised it was just my perception, and nothing was stopping me.
“I think we need to flip the narrative that you need a lot of experience – you just need passion and courage. If you have ideas, you can be the leader.”
“One of the biggest things I’ll take away from this experience is a much clearer understanding of the role of the Mayor and the responsibilities that come with it. It’s really given me a much greater understanding of what it means to be involved in local government and the wider community,” said Zoe.
“I was surprised how much the Mayor gets done in a day! I’m tired after six hours at school, but we’ve done so many things today and the Mayor is still smiling.”
To celebrate the end of their mayoral term, Zoe and Maria donned their ceremonial robes and chains to present a speech in the Council Chamber before their family, friends, councillors and Brimbank staff.
“Young Mayor for the Day is not just about observing leadership in action, it’s about giving young people a genuine opportunity to participate and have a voice in decisions that shape their community,” said Mayor, Virginia Tachos.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our first two young mayors. Maria and Zoe brought incredible insight, curiosity and enthusiasm to every part of the day. They showed exactly why young people deserve a seat at the table when we’re discussing Brimbank’s future.
“The future will not be shaped by talking about what young people need without listening to them. It will be shaped by creating space for them to lead, question, participate and imagine something better.
“Young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. They are citizens, thinkers and changemakers today.”
