Message from Junior Mayor Tasneem (Council News Article August 2023)

Hi, my name is Tasneem and I am the 2023 Junior Mayor for the City of Greater Dandenong. 

I am so grateful to be able to share some of my amazing opportunities this year and what a difference they have made to me.

I have taken part in two Council events recently, the Reconciliation Week event in Springvale and the One Tree Per Child tree planting initiative. 

I made speeches at each event and immersed myself in Australia’s Traditional Custodian history and culture. I learnt more about going green and what it means for everyone to protect, preserve and foster the environment. If we take care of mother nature it will take care of us. The One Tree Per Child initiative is an example of an action that helps us get further to a carbon emission-free future with pollution-free air. 

In my opinion we should be the voice of a generation and I think incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and perspectives into schools is extremely important. We can help to achieve reconciliation by educating all Australians about the Traditional Custodians of the land we often take for granted. As we are the future of Australia, it is especially vital for us to learn about the different aspects of their rich culture and implement their sustainable practices as well. 

The City of Greater Dandenong is a child-friendly city and kids from all local areas have a say. It means so much for me to experience just how much the Council does for us and how it can be overlooked by many. The opportunities for the youth are amazing in Greater Dandenong and I advise anyone to step out of their comfort zone and give a new opportunity a go.