On Monday 6 June 2022, we were privileged to have Mayor Bec Thomas visit Austins Ferry Primary School.  The Mayor met with our Student Voice Team (SVT) first, and then with all Year 5/6 students.

The SVT were interested in how the work of the Council might be similar to their roles. They learned that there are similarities in the following areas:

1. members are nominated and voted into their positions.
2. they responsible for listening to the voice of the people and trying to represent their needs and interests
3. they look for ways to improve the places where they work/learn/play
4. they need to work as a team and be united

The students from years 5/6 paid careful attention as the Mayor shared what her role involved and outlined the many responsibilities of the Glenorchy City Council. Students then used this information to successfully complete a quiz asking them to choose which events, services and infrastructure the Council was responsible for.  Students had an opportunity to ask Mayor Thomas questions, including:

• the types of parks and playgrounds that the Council are building or upgrading,
• the difficult parts of her job,
• and why she wanted to become the Mayor