Lola Mennitz, a 12-year-old student from The Friends’ School, is this year’s City of Hobart Children’s Mayor.
Lola submitted the concept for an integrated ferry service covering the entire River Derwent. The submission, titled One side to the other, a matter of time before you decide, proposed a service that links both sides of the river and the northern and southern suburbs, complementing Metro bus services.
Alice Plimpton, also 12, from Lansdowne Crescent Primary School, will join Lola as the Children’s Deputy Lord Mayor. Alice’s submission, Let’s paint our city with endangered flora and fauna to brighten and educate, calls for the creation of murals around Hobart to showcase local endangered species, increase happiness and wellbeing and raise awareness of Hobart’s unique natural environment.
This year’s Children’s Week celebrates Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, focusing on the right to a safe and clean environment. The Children’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor, along with highly commended students, were officially recognised at the Children’s Week 2024 Reception at Town Hall on Wednesday, October 23.
The Lord Mayor’s Office received 16 applications from students across eight schools this year.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said these young leaders are not only passionate about Hobart’s future but also bring forward ideas that are creative and meaningful.
“Lola’s vision for an integrated ferry service reflects our commitment to sustainable transport, while Alice’s call for more public art aligns with our city’s focus on wellbeing and environmental awareness,” she said.
