On Friday afternoon last week, students of VCE Australian Politics had the opportunity to meet with Deputy Lord Mayor of Melbourne Nicholas Reece in his chambers at the Melbourne City Council. Nicholas is a former student and Dux of Whitefriars College in 1991, who also completed VCE Political Studies. Nicholas went on to do Arts/Law at Monash University before taking up an appointment with the highly respected law firm Maurice Blackburn. He later began his political career, initially working in policy development with former Victorian Premiers Steve Bracks and John Brumby, before moving to Canberra as a ministerial adviser to former Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

In recent times Nicholas has moved into local government and currently holds the position of Deputy Lord Mayor, working closely with Lord Mayor Sally Capp.

Nicholas engaged well with the students by discussing his various political roles and some of the many challenges and achievements he has experienced in political life across federal, State and local government. Students participated fully in the meeting asking several good questions and with particularly great enthusiasm for the generous afternoon tea provided.

We all had a very valuable and positive afternoon experience and we thank Nicholas for providing his time for us to share in his remarkable political career.

Mr Murray Pryer

VCE Australian Politics Teacher