Meet Nillumbik’s new Youth Council

Published on 11 July 2025

Nillumbik has welcomed a new Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor following Monday night’s Youth Council election.

Tahlia Edmonds, 20, has been elected Youth Mayor, with Gianna Andreoli, 18, elected Deputy Youth Mayor.

Now in its fifth year, the Youth Council welcomed 14 new and returning members for the 2025-27 term:

Aashini Rastogi, Alexandra Laidlaw, Ang Gartland, Anushka Gupta, Eleanor Risley, Gianna Andreoli, Jess Brown, Kris van der Kamp, Lucas Fox, Rose Jarvis, Samuel Lochner, Sonya Radchenko, Soren Kean, Tahlia Edmonds.

A proud farm girl, rhythmic gymnast and Miss Australia, Tahlia has lived in Nillumbik her whole life and is passionate about giving back.

“From sports coaching to CFA support, I’ve seen how powerful youth voices can be,” she said. “As Youth Mayor, I’ll listen, advocate, and lead with care, creating an inclusive, inspiring Nillumbik where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to lead change.”

Deputy Youth Mayor Gianna, a community services student, said she’s honoured to take on the role.

“I’m passionate about creating spaces where young people feel heard and supported through life’s twists and turns,” she said.

Mayor John Dumaresq congratulated the new team and thanked outgoing Youth Mayor Orianna Edmonds and Deputy Mayor Niamh Coffey for their leadership, commitment and achievements, including the opening of the Nillumbik Youth Hub, the codesign and hosting of the Youth Summit 2024 and delivery of years three and four of the Youth Strategy.

The Youth Council will now focus on the final year of the Youth Strategy and planning for future youth priorities.

For more information about the Youth Council and other services for young people, visit: nillumbikyouth.vic.gov.au