The City of Greater Geelong’s new Junior Mayor shares what it is like to represent the views and beliefs of young people.
Irene Mulilo, 17, was elected as Geelong’s new 2023 Junior Mayor on January 23 during the Youth Council Induction at City Hall’s Council Chamber.
Irene said that it felt “terrific” to be in the position to represent Geelong’s youth and that the eight other candidates also delivered excellent speeches during the election.
“Each member gave a distinguished speech, that left everyone guessing who would be the successful candidate,” she said.
“In the end, everything happened so quickly, and I feel honoured to have been elected as Junior Mayor by my peers on Youth Council.
“I’m certainly ready and excited for the journey ahead of me.”
She said it was important that young people were able to have a say in Council proceedings as equal citizens and representatives of the next generation.
“The challenges young people face today did not arise overnight and they certainly will not be solved overnight,” Irene said.
“My primary aim in being Junior Mayor is to function as a messenger, conveying to the city and its councillors what young people see as being important to our generation.
“In addition, I also want to continue the work of previous Youth Councils to ensure it is continuing to be considered and has made some progress during our term on Youth Council.
“I hope that not only my voice, but the voices of other young people will be heard through the work we complete this year,” she said.
Irene said she hoped the position would help her to improve her leadership skills and that she had a lot of interests and ideas about her future career.
“I want to learn not to confine myself to my own perspectives but rather to investigate and understand all perspectives so we can provide informed advice on behalf of all young people across the City of Greater Geelong,” she said.
“I am interested in pursuing a career in politics, accounting, or economics, and even possibly cardiology or criminology.”
The Youth Council was also involved in selecting the City of Greater Geelong’s Youth Awards categories and will play a role in determining the successful nominees.
Irene said she looked forward to “celebrating the achievements of young people” and how they positively impact the Greater Geelong community daily.
“The Youth Awards are an important day on Geelong’s calendar to acknowledge and celebrate the talents and contributions of young people,” she said.
“I encourage anyone who knows a young person who is positively contributing to the Geelong community, to jump online and nominate them for a youth award before February 19.”
