2024 Junior Mayor

Mayor Lana Formoso and Junior Mayor Gemma Durakovic

In March 2024, Keysborough Gardens Primary School Grade 6 student, Gemma was elected Junior Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong.

Gemma is one of 34 Grade 5 and 6 students, representing 17 primary schools in Greater Dandenong, involved in the Children’s Advisory Group. Being part on the Children’s Advisory Group is a great opportunity for children to learn more about their community, the role of Council, to share their thoughts, have their voice heard and help shape the future.

All students who participate in the Children’s Advisory group have the opportunity to nominate to be this year’s Junior Mayor. 20 students nominated this year and had to give a 1-2 minute speech about “why would you like to be the new Junior Mayor at the City of Greater Dandenong?”.

The students were given a voting paper and had to vote for their number 1 speech. Gemma from Keysborough Gardens primary had the most votes and is this year’s Junior Mayor.

Congratulations to Gemma

Congratulations, Gemma Durakovic in Grade 6 from at Keysborough Gardens Primary School, for being democratically elected 2024 Junior Mayor.

Gemma was elected by her peers in the Junior Mayor election held in Council Chambers in March. Candidates from the Children’s Advisory Group spoke confidently and shared their heartfelt aspirations to support one another and help their community.

In her speech, Gemma spoke about the importance of the role in giving students a voice in shaping our community and shared her passion to make positive change, advocating for a more sustainable environment and health and fitness.

“I will always try to give my peers a chance to speak up and share their opinions on how we can help the community.

“I am passionate about living in a more sustainable environment and the importance of recycling and helping our community where we can.

“I love being outside and love sports so I will also encourage students to improve their health and fitness by encouraging them to be outdoors more, and active travel to school when they can, which will also help reduce traffic congestion in school areas during peak times".