Yarra's Councillors have elected Independent Councillor Claudia Nguyen as Mayor and Councillor Edward Crossland as Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months.
The election took place at a ceremonial Council Meeting tonight (Monday, 28 November).
Cr Nguyen said being elected Mayor is a significant honour, and that she will be focusing on driving sustainable outcomes for future generations, helping to transform Yarra into a smart and innovative city, and making sure Council responds to the people in the community who most need support.
"I want to ensure everyone has a voice in decision making, particularly young people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, LGBTIQA+ people, and vulnerable people living within our community."
"As Mayor, I am committed to working with my fellow Councillors to ensure that Yarra continues to engage with all members of our vibrant community to deliver on our ambitious Council Plan."
"A particular focus for my term will be on improving our financial sustainability to ensure Council can continue to deliver its services to a high standard."
Cr Nguyen comes from an extended family of refugees, who came to Australia after fleeing the Vietnam War. Her family settled in Yarra's public housing estates when they first arrived in Australia, which is where Cr Nguyen grew up.
She has a strong interest in youth empowerment, celebrating LGBTIQA+ communities, and advocating for vulnerable people living in Yarra. Cr Nguyen has always been passionate about giving back to her local community and dedicated a lot of her time to volunteering before becoming a Councillor.
Cr Nguyen's passion and commitment to her local community has led her to hold numerous executive committee roles with organisations with an interest in STEM, sport, young people, and CALD communities.
She graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering. She has worked as a consultant in the private industry and most recently as a senior policy officer in the public sector.
Cr Nguyen believes her community advocacy, leadership, and policy experience will equip her to represent the Yarra community as Mayor.
Yarra's outgoing Mayor, Cr Sophie Wade said Cr Nguyen will bring valuable perspectives to the role.
"I am extremely pleased that Claudia Nguyen has been elected as our new Mayor. Claudia is clever, a clear communicator, and will be a brilliant leader for Yarra."
"As a young, queer, woman of colour, Claudia directly represents many major groups in Yarra, and will be a fabulous advocate for a more inclusive system," she said.
Before being elected Mayor Cr Nguyen was the City of Yarra's 2020-2021 Deputy Mayor.
