Politics in the classroom

Grade three and four students at Bellerive Primary School are studying local government and as part of their learning, recently interviewed Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley. 

Mayor Blomeley faced an eager and well researched audience, with questions ranging from “what’s the best part of your job, and the worse?” to “why don’t you get the AFL stadium in Clarence?”. 

“As the level of government that’s closest to the people, it’s fantastic to see such keen interest in local government from such an engaged and talented group of young Clarence residents,” Mayor Blomeley said. 

“Although more of the students indicated a preference in being Prime Minister rather than Mayor, it is reassuring to know that there’s strong talent coming through to serve our community.  

“At 9 and 10 years of age, I’ve put myself and my colleagues on notice, that we’re likely to face some really strong competition at the ballot box in about eight years’ time and that’s a real positive for our community.”  

Mayor Blomeley invited the students to visit the Council Chambers to hold their own Council Meeting, discussing issues important to young Clarence residents.