On Wednesday 26 March 2026, ten Grade 5 and 6 students gathered in the City of Greater Dandenong's Council Chambers and spoke passionately about their ideas for the future, as part of their campaign to be elected Greater Dandenong’s Junior Mayor.
Congratulations to Aaya Abulughod, from Sirius College, for being elected by her peers as Greater Dandenong’s Junior Mayor for 2025.
Aaya spoke with great enthusiasm about children’s wellbeing, advocating for more outdoor opportunities to keep children active and connected.
"As the newly elected Junior Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong, I am thrilled to bring fresh ideas to this amazing city."
Congratulations to Aaya
Read Aaya's election speech:
"My name is Aaya Abulughod, and I’m a passionate, determined, and courageous 12-year-old girl. I'm a young Australian with a Lebanese and Palestinian heritage and I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu three days a week, which has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of working hard to achieve my goals."
"As the school captain of Sirius College, I saw the opportunity to run for Junior Mayor and decided to take it, believing I could truly make a difference."
In her speech at the Junior Mayor election, Aaya shared her vision for a more active city, one where young people spend less time on devices and more time outdoors, playing sports and engaging in physical activity.
"I believe that increasing access to sporting and educational facilities will create a healthier, more active community."
Aaya continued "Although I’m only 12, I know that my age doesn’t limit my ability to make a change. Young voices matter, and we can inspire others to live healthier lives and be more connected to our community. I’m excited to work toward making Dandenong a more active, safe, and fun place for everyone."
Aaya will now work alongside Mayor Cr Jim Memeti, representing the community at key events, including citizenship ceremonies and other Council functions.
Congratulations to Haroon Malik, elected 2025 Deputy Junior Mayor
This year, for the first time, a Deputy Junior Mayor was also appointed. Congratulations to Haroon Malik from Lyndale Greens Primary School.
Watch below the YouTube video of the Election of the 2025 Junior and Deputy Junior Mayors
-
Mayor Memeti with Junior Mayor Aaya -
Mayor Memeti with school children at the election of the Junior and Deputy Junior Mayor -
Mayor Memeti with 2025 Junior Mayor Aaya and Deputy Mayor Haroon -
Mayor Memeti with Junior Mayor Aaya
