Intersex councillor Tony Briffa elected as Hobsons Bay Mayor
City councillor and advocate for the LGBTI community Tony Briffa has been elected Mayor of Hobsons Bay.
Briffa, who was born with an intersex condition, was widely tipped as the frontrunner for the position.
He was instrumental in the formation of an LGBTI advisory committee to council, and supports cultural diversity and support for people with disabilities.
Announcing his mayoral appointment on his website, Briffa said he looked forward to serving Hobsons Bay “with enthusiasm and pride”.
“I am a genuine independent councillor (i.e. not a member of a political party),” he wrote, “and my focus is on representing our diverse community, community groups and local businesses, protecting our environment, and working to ensure future generations of local residents can enjoy our unique character and amenity.”
Briffa has served two terms as Deputy Mayor since being elected to council in 2008.
About the Author
Andrew Shaw
Andrew Shaw has been part of Melbourne's media scene for the past 12 years, as a news journalist, arts writer and editor. This is his second term as MCV editor – in December 2000 he became MCV's founding editor after enjoying stints on LGBTIQ publications BrotherSister and MSO. He's also worked in the Media Unit at Monash University and as editor of a magazine for secondary school teachers.
Comments (4)
And where is Hobsons Bay? In Australia?
FYI Paul Thompson, it's in my electorate here in the western suburbs of Melbourne. You could have just looked it up on Google before posting your comment.
Congrats to Tony - he is a great example of a GLBTI person in the wider community re remembering that part of him and seeing the whole picture for all.
Well done Tony, from all of us who know both where Hobsons Bay is, and how hard you work for your community.