Year 4 Students Steps It Up Councillor-Style

Published on 16 June 2026

It was quite the lively discussion as 64 Year 4 Roma St Johns school students headed to the Maranoa Regional Council chambers to debate on some important topics.

During this mock meeting held last Monday, 15 June 2026, students took to the roles of Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, and Minute Taker.

Mayor Wendy Taylor said it’s great for students to learn the role their local Council plays and how what happens in the chambers impacts the community.

“It was great to play host to a large number of students and give them an insight into just some of the things their local Council does,” Mayor Taylor said.

“This generation of students will one day be ratepayers and may even find themselves in a Mayoral or Councillor seat, involved in the day-to-day activities at Maranoa Regional Council, making important decisions that shape our region.

“On the other hand, the students gave myself, Cr Davis, Cr Birkett and Cr Flynn their insights and some great ideas that we could implement.”

St John’s School of Roma Year 4 Maroon Teacher, Theresa Rafter said the day was much appreciated by the students.

“Through this experience, students developed a deeper understanding of how local councils operate,” Theresa said.

“They explored decision-making processes, community representation, and the important role councils play in supporting and improving local areas.

“A key focus was examining the costs associated with maintaining community facilities such as the local pool, which helped students better understand what is involved in the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of a community asset.”