Benjamin Millar
Maribyrnong Council has elected its youngest every mayor, while Hobsons Bay’s longest serving councillor has been returned to the top job for the third time.
River Ward councillor Anthony Tran, 22, last week become one of the youngest councillors to ever become a mayor in Victoria’s history, hoping his election will help break “the bamboo ceiling”.
Meanwhile long-serving Hobsons Bay councillor Peter Hemphill was elected on Friday night to his third term as Hobsons Bay mayor during 22 years as a councillor.
Elected by his fellow councillors during a special meeting on Tuesday night, Cr Tran – the son of Vietnamese refugees – thanked his family and friends for their support in a speech delivered in both English and Vietnamese.
He also thanked the community elders who had put faith in the second generation.
“Without your guidance, without your assistance, without the shoulders of giants on which we climb, we would not be here,” he said.
“But I think tonight is more than just electing a new mayor… tonight I hope to set a precedent and that precedent is that for more young people – the youth of diverse cultural communities – to find the courage and to find the ability to step up into this world that for so long, for far too long, has been dominated by a particular, a singular, demographic.”
Cr Tran said he hoped his representation can inspire other young people to follow their dreams.
River ward councillor Sarah Carter was elected deputy mayor.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill paid tribute to outgoing mayor Jonathon Marsden, praising his strong leadership during a challenging year.
“The year ahead presents many great opportunities,” he said.
“As a city we are beginning to emerge and rebuild from COVID and I want to ensure Council does all it can to boost business and community spirit in the COVID recovery.”
Wetlands ward councillor Diana Grima was elected deputy mayor.
