Emilia Sterjova might have been just 19-years-old when she was elected to Whittlesea council, but she is determined her youth will not stop her from being a voice for the community.
Cr Sterjova is the youngest councillor ever elected to Whittlesea council and one of the youngest councillors in Victoria. She celebrated the end of her first week on council with her 20th birthday.
She won election in the north ward with 16 per cent of the first-preference vote, finishing second behind mayor Ricky Kirkham.
The Mernda resident said she stood for election because she wanted Whittlesea’s young people to be heard.
“I was disheartened to see that the youth of Whittlesea had no true representation in local government,” Cr Sterjova said.
“I decided that the best person to give them a voice was a young person who could relate to their issues and concerns.”
Cr Sterjova, a Labor Party member for two years, became involved in politics at La Trobe University, where she is doing a double degree in law and international relations and a diploma in Indonesian language.
She said it was a natural progression from student politics to running for council, adding that she always had a passion for social justice.
She is confident she can balance her studies with the responsibilities of being a councillor.
“I have always successfully balanced many competing commitments,” she said. “I understand this would be a whole new challenge, but I am always willing to accept any challenge that comes my way.”
Cr Sterjova said she felt “empowered” by her election to council.
“It is also so humbling and fulfilling to know that the young people of Whittlesea now have true representation on council,” she said.
