Anthony Tran made history in 2021 by becoming the youngest Mayor of Maribyrnong at the age of 22, and in turn, became one of the youngest Australians to be elected into public office. His election garnered significant international attention, particularly due to his Vietnamese heritage. Through his time in office, he demonstrated the potential for young people from diverse backgrounds to achieve leadership positions in Australia. 

Prior to his mayoral term, Anthony served as Deputy Mayor of Maribyrnong in 2020. Throughout his tenure as mayor, Anthony championed initiatives aimed at fostering equality and inclusivity within the community. He actively sought to break down barriers that hindered the advancement of individuals from diverse backgrounds, a concept often referred to as the “bamboo ceiling.” This metaphor, akin to the “glass ceiling” faced by women, highlights the systemic obstacles that prevent Asian-Australians from achieving higher levels of success in various fields. 

One of the defining moments of Anthony’s mayoralty was his leadership during the devastating October 2022 floods that impacted the Maribyrnong region. During this time, he spearheaded the Maribyrnong City Council’s efforts in advocating for crucial support and assistance for the affected communities. 

Anthony was fortunate to have been nominated and shortlisted for the McKinnon Prize in 2022 and 2023 in the category of McKinnon Emerging Political Leader of the Year.