PLAY NICE BOYS
Tommy, Pete — don’t make Mumma get the Games baton out ...
START getting along boys or Mumma Kate will sort you out. That was the coded message from Commonwealth Games Minister Kate Jones yesterday after the feud between Mayor Tom Tate and GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie dragged on. The former premier took another swipe at Cr Tate, saying the Gold Coast lacked “mature leadership”. Ms Jones said the pair were “both big boys and people know what they are like”. But she warned what was at stake — a oncein-a-lifetime chance to put the city and Queensland on show to the world.
BEING a middle child in a family of eight has put Robina State High School student Jay Bridgement in good stead to lead the Gold Coast as Junior Mayor over the next year.
Jay, 16, was yesterday announced the latest young leader to take the role. The aspiring politician said he has some skills which will help him on the job.
“I have learned to have a lot of patience and make a lot of sacrifices in a family of eight,” he said.
“I think that experience plus other experiences have helped me get where I am today.”
Jay is one of 126 students from 29 Gold Coast schools to take part in the junior council which gives high school students a taste for politics and how the city is run.
The incoming Junior Mayor said his priority was to bring the junior council together and make them feel more of a team.
Deputy Mayor Donna Gates said the junior council was a chance for young people to have their voices heard.
“We like to encourage the students to get involved in local issues,” she said.
“We like them to have a look at various reports that come before council for consideration.”
Jay will remain as Junior Mayor for a year.