Published on Thursday, 13 June 2024 at 2:22:00 PM
Aspiring politicians of the future can have a taste of local government through the City of Vincent’s new Councillor for the Day program.
Over the next three months, Vincent is running a program for primary school students to visit the Council Chambers and gain a real-life experience of being a Mayor, councillor, CEO and minute-taker.
Year 6 students will receive an insight into local government roles and responsibilities, engage in a Q and A session with Mayor Alison Xamon and participate in a mock-up council meeting.
The first event on 6 June was attended by enthusiastic students from Sacred Heart Primary School.
“The Councillor for the Day program offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn about local government and experience what it is like to take part in a council meeting,” said Ms Xamon.
“Events like these enables us to create stronger connections with our young people and provide support to local schools.
“It was wonderful to meet and greet students from Sacred Heart, who were buzzing with energy and very excited to play the roles of Council.
“I encourage more schools to take up this opportunity.”
Sacred Heart students took part in two meetings where they followed an agenda, take turns to act as the Mayor, CEO, councillors and council officers, engage in debate and make decisions.
Student minute-taker Winter Johnson said it was the first time she visited the Chamber.
“It was very exciting to be a part of it,” she said.
“I had a good idea and I wanted to put up my hand, but I was the minute-taker.
“My mum wants me to be in Federal (politics)…but I think I would enjoy local more.”
A group of Sacred Heart Primary School students in the Council Chamber.
Student Mayor Jada Gasper said she enjoyed being in charge of a meeting.
“I was sitting where the Mayor actually sat...I got to play her role, so I felt very important,” she said.
“I had a big sense of responsibility.”
Jada said she would like to become a politician in Federal politics in the future.
Vincent invited all eligible schools to participate in the program, with Mt Hawthorn Primary School and Highgate Primary School taking part in July and August.
This program is aligned with the Strategic Community Plan 2022-2032 and fulfills an action to enhance opportunities for the community to build relationships and connections with each other and Vincent.
It is also a result of an action in the Youth Action Plan 2020-2026 which aims to partner with local schools to identify and recognise personal or professional achievements, efforts and contributions of youth.
For more information, visit the youth services page.
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