Published on Monday, 13 September 2021 at 9:36:30 AM
Election day came early at the Town of East Fremantle where Charlotte, a Year 6 student of Richmond Primary, was elected as our Junior Mayor for the day and presided over some issues important to her peers.
At a very special Council meeting held in the historic Town Hall on Wednesday 8 September, Charlotte was popularly elected by her 16 peers, after a hotly contested election, with the voting coming down to the wire. She wore the historic Mayoral robes and chain with pride, decked out majestically in the Town’s traditional blue and white.
The students visited historic East Fremantle Town Hall and heard all about the workings of Council, met with Mayor, Jim O'Neill, Cr Kerry Donovan, CEO Gary Tuffin, Ranger Andy and other staff. They received a presentation about Council and asked many pertinent questions about local government.
Following the presentation, the young Councillors deliberated on important matters and made recommendations. On climate change, they resolved to plant more trees (including verge trees), use water more wisely at home and at school, and to install solar panels at the school.
When asked what young people needed from Council to make East Fremantle an even safer, more fun and welcoming place, they suggested a pump bike track, more places to play sport and showed great interest in the exciting plans for the redevelopment of East Fremantle Oval, as well as Youth Week events planned for April 2022 and the East Fremantle George Street Festival on 5 December 2021.
Their recommendations will be taken on board by Town staff for inclusion into strategies going forward. Following a lively Q&A, the group retired for a well-earned morning tea on a big day for Charlotte, with it also being her birthday.
Mayor of East Fremantle, Jim O’Neill, was impressed with the respectful and collegiate conduct of the young Council, (as well as their grasp of technology) and was inspired by their curiosity and interest in local issues. ‘The behaviour of the students was impeccable and a credit to the school and their parents’.
“If today’s youngsters are any indication,” Mayor O’Neill said, “the future of our Town is in excellent hands. I am very hopeful that from among these young people we will see future leaders in our community.”
He also expressed sincere thanks to Richmond Primary School, and Principal Ms Dentith, for their support for today’s event and promised to make this a regular event in the life of Council.
Pictured front, L-R Charlotte (Junior Mayor for the day) and Mayor-elect, Jim O'Neill
Seated behind are other members of the Year Six Class of Richmond Primary, with Principal Lisa Dentith
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