By Laura Michell
North ward councillor Emilia Lisa Sterjova has been elected as Whittlesea’s youngest mayor.
Cr Sterjova, 22, was elected to the top job on Thursday night.
South east ward’s Cr Alahna Desiato, 26, was elected deputy mayor.
According to Whittlesea council, Cr Sterjova is the youngest female to have been elected as mayor in Australia.
Cr Sterjova and Cr Desiato were first elected to council in November 2016. Cr Sterjova served as deputy mayor in 2017-18.
In her acceptance speech, Cr Sterjova said she was proud that this was the first time the council has been led by two women in their 20s.
She said she is passionate about providing support to community groups and hearing the voice of young people.
Congratulations to Councillor Emilia Sterjova (right) who was elected mayor for the next 12 months alongside Councillor Alahna Desiato who was elected Deputy Mayor.
Both Cr Sterjova and Cr Desiato were first elected as councillor in November 2016. pic.twitter.com/UfUc74JcZK— City Of Whittlesea (@CityWhittlesea) November 7, 2019
“I hope to inspire other young people to realise that age is not a barrier,” Cr Sterjova said.
“I hope women realise their gender is an asset, not a disadvantage … I want to inspire, to challenge and to create positive change.”
Cr Sterjova said she plans to host a youth forum, develop sporting facilities in Mernda, and to embrace technology in council operations over the next 12 months.
