Greater Dandenong has welcomed its newly appointed Junior Mayor and Deputy Junior Mayor, celebrating the next generation of community leaders.
Junior Mayor Fariha Rezaei and Deputy Junior Mayor Omar Abulughod will represent young people across the municipality, bringing fresh ideas, lived experience and a strong passion for community.
The Junior Mayor program is delivered through Council’s Children’s Advisory Group, giving young people a direct voice into local decision-making.
This year, representatives from nine schools took part in the election, with 30 Children’s Advisory Group members participating and 21 students nominating for the role. Candidates presented speeches before a vote was held to elect the Junior Mayor and Deputy Junior Mayor.
The Junior Mayor program gives young people a platform to contribute to decisions that shape their lives and strengthens youth participation in local leadership.
Greater Dandenong Mayor, Councillor Sophie Tan said the program highlighted the leadership and potential of young people across Greater Dandenong.
“Your confidence, your ideas and your willingness to participate in local leadership are something you should be very proud of,” Mayor Tan said.
Junior Mayor Fariha Rezaei said young people deserved to be heard.
“Young people may not vote or sit in council chambers, but we are deeply affected by the decisions made today,” she said. “We are not just part of the present – we are part of the future. We have new ideas, creativity and a fresh perspective that can make our community better.”
Fariha said one of her key priorities was strengthening communication between young people and Council.
Deputy Junior Mayor Omar Abulughod said building a more connected and caring community was at the heart of his vision.
“I want a place where we aren’t just neighbours, but a team – somewhere that’s safe, clean and actually feels friendly,” he said.
Omar encouraged young people to take action and lead by example. He said small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
“If we want to see a real difference, we can’t just wait for it to happen – we’re all responsible for stepping up,” he said.
Both young leaders bring strong ideas about inclusion, connection and community pride, and will work closely with councillors to represent the voices of young people.