Cleo Kapogiannatos elected as Kingston’s new Junior Mayor

Published on 12 May 2026

Kingston’s incoming Junior Mayor Cleo Kapogiannatos with Mayor Georgina Oxley.

Kingston’s youngest leaders have stepped into the spotlight, with Cleo Kapogiannatos from Our Lady of the Assumption Primary School elected as Kingston’s Junior Mayor for 2026/27.

Cleo will work alongside Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley over the next 12 months, representing the community at a range of civic events and functions including citizenship ceremonies, official openings and community celebrations.

Mayor Oxley said the long-running Junior Mayor program continues to provide an important opportunity for young people to have their voices heard.

“One of the best parts of this event is seeing the confidence, creativity and passion our young people bring when talking about issues that matter to them,” Cr Oxley said.

“Our Junior Mayor and Junior Councillors represent the next generation of community leaders and it’s incredibly encouraging to see how engaged and thoughtful they are about Kingston’s future.

“The program gives students the opportunity to build leadership and public speaking skills, learn more about local government and democracy, and most importantly know that their ideas and perspectives matter.

“We are proud to continue supporting programs like this that encourage young people to get involved in their community and help shape the future of Kingston.”

The Junior Mayor program has run for more than 60 years through a successful partnership between Council and the Rotary Club of Chelsea.

Students from 24 primary schools across Kingston took part in this year’s Junior Mayor election event, presenting speeches on the topic: What are three ways Council could help young people get involved in activities, programs and decisions in the community?

Cleo was elected by fellow students alongside Tyler Beed from Patterson Lakes Primary School, who was elected Deputy Junior Mayor for 2026/27.

The full Junior Council for 2026/27 is:

  • Tyler Beed as Deputy Junior Mayor from Patterson Lakes Primary School for Banksia Ward
  • Xavier Fernandez from Kingswood Primary School for Caruana Ward 
  • Valeria Doan from St John Vianney’s Primary School for Chicquita Ward 
  • Noah Bertschik from St Patrick’s Primary School for Como Ward 
  • Eve Partridge from Moorabbin Primary School for Karkarook Ward 
  • Ivy Lukic from Chelsea Heights Primary School for Longbeach Ward 
  • Naveen Seneviratne from Parkdale Primary School for Melaleuca Ward 
  • Andrew Uyanna from Edithvale Primary School for Sandpiper Ward 
  • Cleo Kapogiannatos from Our Lady of the Assumption Primary School for Wattle Ward 
  • Lenny McNaughton from Aspendale Primary School for Yammerbook Ward 
  • Ivy Quinn from Carrum Primary School as Councillor’s Choice

Unfortunately, there were no schools able to participate this year representing Bunjil Ward.

The students will officially begin their term after being sworn in at the June Council meeting.

 

 

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