Children’s Mayor making Hobart sustainable and stress-free

Published on 25 October 2023

A proposal for a tram circuit to improve traffic, reduce CO2 emissions and assist tourists, locals and students has been announced as the winner of the Hobart’s Children Mayor Program.

Princes Street Primary School’s Olive Nielsen, 12, will be the City of Hobart Children’s Mayor for her submission “Let’s power Hobart SUSTAINABLY!”

This initiative is designed to foster democratic awareness and civic engagement among primary school students, cultivating a deeper understanding of local government, the democratic process, and the pivotal role of elected representatives.

Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said Olive (pictured) was a worthy winner.

“It is great to see one of our younger members of Hobart taking such an interest in how to make the city better while also addressing climate change issues,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Olive has shown forethought and clear thinking in addressing a number of issues with this one idea.”

Olive’s submission even outlined the route, running from Wrest Point along Sandy Bay Road into Hobart’s CBD.

“When this tram route operates it will help tourists be able to easily travel the city of Hobart,” Olive wrote.

“Isn’t that how Hobart should all ways feel, easy, enjoyable, and stress-free?”

Cr Reynolds said this was an important program to show students the function of local government.

"The Hobart Children's Mayor Program is an exciting opportunity for our youngest citizens to learn about the democratic process and actively contribute to their city,” Cr Reynolds said.

“We believe that by involving children in shaping our community, we can inspire future leaders and make Hobart an even better place for all."

Students from primary schools throughout Hobart were invited to participate by crafting a short manifesto outlining how they would enhance the city for its youngest residents, beginning with the phrase, "If I was Children's Mayor of Hobart, I would…"

The Lord Mayor and her selection panel then evaluated the manifestos and chose the Hobart Children's Mayor and Deputy Mayor, representing the voice of Hobart's youth.

The winning students will be recognized during Children's Week 2023 in a special reception and award presentation.

They will also have the unique opportunity to participate in select official duties alongside the Lord Mayor and her delegates.

The Children's Mayor and Deputy Mayor will shadow the Lord Mayor in November 2023, attending meetings and experiencing a day in the life of the Hobart Lord Mayor.

They will also have the chance to present their manifestos at a Council meeting or the City's Annual General Meeting.

Their tenure will extend until October 2024.

Children’s Lord Mayor Program 2023

Winners and Highly Commended

Lord Mayor: Olive Nielsen (Princes Street Primary School)

Deputy Lord Mayor: Bella Child (St Mary’s College)

Highly Commended: Caroline Senkbeil (Fahan School), Isabelle Brown (Lenah Valley Primary School), Jonah Eleot Kearon (Sandy Bay Infant School) Ends.