Our new Junior Mayor

Published on 09 May 2025

On Thursday 8 May 2025, Evie Brandon-Cope, Grade 6 student from Edithvale Primary School, was elected by her peers as Kingston Council’s Junior Mayor for 2025/26. The Junior Mayor election has been an annual event running within the City of Kingston for over 6 decades in partnership with Chelsea Rotary.

Evie presented her winning speech in front of peers and teachers from 26 of our local primary schools. All students were asked to present their views and thoughts on the topic: What does an inclusive community look like to you?

Evie, alongside her team members Poppy, Hana and Violet, presented a creative and well thought out speech about what inclusivity means to them. Consulting with their school community, they believe a more inclusive Kingston is a place where everyone is made to feel like they belong. This can be achieved through the celebration of the diverse cultures represented. They hope to see dedicated initiatives to support and encourage everyone to be proud of the culture they come from.

2025 Junior Council

2025 Junior Council in partnership with Chelsea Rotary representatives were also elected. They are:

• Paloma Lopez from Bonbeach Primary School for Banksia Ward 
• Mikayla Hipolito from Westall Primary School for Bunjil Ward
• Declan Charles from Christway College for Caruana Ward
• Tia Pierce from St John Vianney’s Primary School for Chicquita Ward
• Olivia Shannon from St Patrick’s Primary School for Como Ward
• Rohin Jain from Southmoor Primary School for Karkarook Ward
• Chloe Smith from Chelsea Heights Primary School for Longbeach Ward
• Emily Marshall from Parkdale Primary School for Melaleuca Ward
• Evie Brandon-Cope from Edithvale Primary School for Sandpiper Ward
• Damian Roufail from Cheltenham East Primary School for Wattle Ward
• Claire O’Donnell from Aspendale Gardens Primary School for Yammerbook Ward
• Romeo Emmett from Yarrabah School as Councillor’s Choice

Acknowledgement of service

Other students recognised at the 2025 Junior Mayor Elections for their efforts were:

• Outgoing Junior Mayor 2024/25: Isabella Koukoumanos who was acknowledged for her contributions, including being a strong representative for the Junior Councillors over the past twelve months.
• Outgoing Deputy Junior Mayor 2024/25: Lucian Hendricks for his contributions, including being a strong representative for the Junior Councillors over the past twelve months and the support provided to the Junior Mayor.