Junior Mayor to work alongside Division 11 Councillor
Politics, drama, law and nursing – meet Jay Bridgement, the new Gold Coast City Junior Mayor and Robina local soaring his way to success at just 16 years of age.
Jay heads the largest Junior Council in Queensland, which was established in 1993 and today involves more than 126 students and 29 schools across the Gold Coast.
The Council gives young people an opportunity to have their voices heard and contribute to Gold Coast City while learning about local government.
Jay works alongside Division 11 Councillor, Hermann Vorster, and Deputy Mayor and Division 1 Councillor Donna Gates to bring forward community initiatives that will benefit all Gold Coasters.
The busy Robina High School student has also just returned from representing Australia in the Parliamentary Debate World Congress in Japan, has the Law Moot at Bond University firmly in his sights, is in the process of completing his Certificate 2 and 3 in Aged Care and is auditioning for the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney.
One of eight siblings, Jay went without a stable home for three years and has come out the other end stronger and more compassionate than ever – ready to do what he can for the Gold Coast community.
We sat down with this inspiring young multi-tasker to find out what he has been up to and what he has in store for the future.
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself? What are your hobbies?
I’m currently in grade 11 at Robina State High School and I love playing video games and hanging out with friends in my spare time.
At school I am in the debate club because I love politics and debating. The thing is, I also love drama and after recently participating in my school’s drama festival, I am seriously considering going down that path.
Drama, politics and law are the three directions I am looking to go with my future but after I have conquered those fields, I would love to be a nurse one day, so I am currently completing my Certificate 2 and 3 in Aged Care.
I don’t believe you have to be ‘book smart’ to be a great leader and I will never make a promise I cannot keep.
Why did you decide to get into this field of work / how did this position come about?
I have been on the Gold Coast Student Council for the past two years and recently, the position of Junior Mayor came up. I wasn’t sure that I should go for it, as at the same time as submissions were due I was offered the chance to travel to Japan to compete in the Parliamentary Debate World Conference.
The day I was set to head off to Japan, I decided to apply for the position, so my best friend and personal assistant, Tara McMullen, submitted the forms for me – she was such a life saver!
When I returned from Japan, I was told to prepare a speech on why I would be the best fit for Junior Mayor, which I then presented along with 17 other candidates at the finals event.
After I presented my speech, I received an email congratulating me on my new position, however it didn’t specify which position I had been successful in.
When I went to the meeting, it was announced that I was the new Junior Mayor – it was the most surreal experience. I immediately spoke to media and when I got back to school, all of my classmates were on the oval for the athletics carnival so I had the whole school welcome me back – it was amazing.
What plans do you have for your role?
My main goal is for everyone to have a say and feel equal, and encourage them to make a difference within the student council.
I want to make long lasting friendships, just like my friends from all over the world that I met in Japan while at the Parliamentary Debate World Conference. I have taken a lot away from that event and I look forward to implementing the life lessons I learned into the student council.
What do you believe is your biggest accomplishment in your role so far?
I have only been in the role for a couple of weeks, but as I like things to be equal, I will bring in an initiative that promotes equality. I want to implement a program that will run each year surrounding equality, but I am still drumming up the finer details.
Councillor Hermann Vorster has been really welcoming and supportive since I have entered into this role and has indicated that he would support my idea, which is quite comforting to know.
