Meet Melbourne's New Junior Lord Mayor

Congratulations, Daniel Lan in Year 7, for being elected Melbourne's 2021 Junior Lord Mayor in the recent Melbourne Day celebrations! The Junior Lord Mayor competition aims to give young people an opportunity to express their hopes and dreams for the future of Melbourne, and affords them the opportunity to work with the Lord Mayor of the city for the 12 months they hold their position. Daniel spoke with passion and conviction at the online judging ceremony on Monday 30th August (Melbourne Day) about his vision of a cleaner, greener Melbourne, and about how we can continue to love and support each other as fellow Melburnians through this challenging COVID pandemic.

Some household names were among the judges, including Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Channel 9's Peter Hitchener and radio presenter Denis Walter, and Daniel shared the opportunity to compete for Junior Lord Mayor with students from around Melbourne, including Genazzano FJC, St Marks Primary (Dingley Village) and Loreto Mandeville Hall.

Daniel thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share his ideas about how we could improve our city, as well as the opportunity to interact with the other participants in the competition. He is looking forward to continuing the friendship he has struck up with his peer and Special Emissary on zero net emissions, Joel, from St Marks Primary.

According to the Melbourne Day press release, "Lord Mayor Sally Capp said judges were impressed by Daniel's community spirit, research, smart ideas, enthusiasm and creativity. 'His Worship' holds the ceremonial title for a year – getting to rock mayoral robes and gold chains, march with competition finalists in the Moomba Parade, perform official and fun duties with Cr Capp and more!"

Special thanks go to Ms Christie Vaughn for giving Daniel the opportunity to participate in this exciting event. Thank you also to Mrs Amy Horneman for her efforts in supporting and preparing Daniel. Daniel has also been encouraged by his Year 7 teachers, including his Home Group teacher, Mr Phil Waters. 

More information can be found at https://www.melbourneday.com.au/.