In a landmark moment for Victoria and for multicultural Australia, the City of Maribyrnong has elected Cr Mohamed Semra as Mayor for the 2025–26 term—making him the first Sudanese Australian Mayor in the country’s history. The election marks a proud milestone for African and particularly Sudanese communities, reflecting Australia’s core values of fairness, equality and respect for diversity.
Cr Semra, first elected in 2024, steps into the role with a clear commitment to community-led leadership. Joining him is Cr Samantha Meredith, also elected in 2024, who will serve her first term as Deputy Mayor.
“It’s an incredibly exciting time for our city as we continue to grow and evolve,” Mayor Semra said following his election.
“It is a privilege to serve such a supportive, inclusive and community-minded City—one that consistently shows its resilience, creativity and commitment to looking after one another.”
Mayor Semra pledged to lead with accountability, active listening and trust-building, emphasising collaboration across council and community.
He said,
“Our City is vibrant, diverse and rapidly transforming. This term, we will continue strong advocacy on the issues that matter—ensuring Maribyrnong is thriving, welcoming and safe.”
Key priorities outlined by Mayor Semra include:
• Revitalisation of Footscray
• Strengthening mental health and wellbeing supports
• Improving air quality and environmental outcomes
• Advancing integrated transport solutions
• Flood recovery efforts
• Securing state and federal investment for major community infrastructure
• Progressing the Creative West precinct, a major project set to shape the city’s creative, cultural and economic future
“At the same time, we remain focused on meaningful engagement, delivering critical infrastructure, and ensuring every Council service helps people live well, participate fully and thrive,” he said.
“I am also committed to working tirelessly to improve community safety in Maribyrnong.”
Outgoing Mayor Cr. Pradeep Tiwari said, “Mohamed is a young mayor with aspirations, and hopefully, he can maintain the momentum we have created.”
“Seeing the first sub-Saharan African mayor in the history of Australia is a testament to our increasing diversity and our ability to take on these leadership roles and their challenges.
Wishing him all the best in his role.”
Deputy Mayor Meredith expressed her enthusiasm for the term ahead.
“Maribyrnong is a City that celebrates diversity and supports opportunity.
I look forward to working with the Mayor and my fellow Councillors with care, passion and action—and keeping the community at the heart of everything we do.”
Both leaders extended their gratitude to the outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor, acknowledging their service and contributions to the city’s progress.
Cr Mohamed Semra’s election marks a defining chapter for representation in Australia—demonstrating that leadership opportunities belong to all, and that multicultural communities continue to enrich the nation’s civic life.
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