Former deputy mayor Aaron Wood has revealed the team he will run against incumbent mayor Nick Rees in October's Melbourne city election. This election will see the surprise return of a former long-term lawmaker.
Mr Wood, who had already announced swimwear entrepreneur Erin Dearing as his deputy mayor candidate in August, has now revealed his full team, with current councilor Phil Le Rue as the top councilor.
“Philip's work in local government embodies his passion for making Melbourne a more inclusive and dynamic city,” Mr Wood said. “His leadership and experience will be invaluable as we work together to make Melbourne better for all residents and businesses.”
Many believe Cr Le Liu, a long-term CBD resident and former Liberal member who led the council's finance portfolio during the previous term, will fill the number one spot on Team Wood's ticket. I expected it. However, the name to fill the second position is likely to make a surprise return to Town Hall.
That person is former Green Party councilor and Kensington local Dr Cathy Oke, who served as a councilor for 12 years from 2008 to 2020 and was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2023 for her contribution to local government and the environment. Ta.
Dr Oke made a valuable contribution to the City of Melbourne during his time as a City Councilor, primarily working in the areas of transport and environment, and currently leads the University of Melbourne's Center for Cities.
The addition of Dr. Oke brings strong balance to Team Wood's ticket and, if successful, there is a strong possibility that she will be re-elected to a fourth term. However, even if Mr. Wood is not successful in the mayoral race, there is still a possibility that Dr. Oke will be elected depending on his preferences.
Although he has served on the City Council on various teams in the past, Dr. Oke spent 10 years working for Mr. Wood's environmental nonprofit, Kids Teaching Kids, before being elected in 2008.
Mr Wood said Dr Oke has a “deep understanding of the intersection of social equity and environmental sustainability and complements our vision of a greener and fairer Melbourne”, adding: “Her expertise will help lead our cities to a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
Filling slots three and four respectively on Team Wood's ticket are lawyer and former Melbourne City Councilor Nicholas Zervos and proud Carlton resident and community leader Hala Noor.
Following in fifth place is Michael Caiafa, who briefly served on the City Council after the 2016 election before being ousted in a recount by disqualified candidate Brooke Wandin.
Mr Caiaphas is a second generation trader and one of the most recognized and respected figures in the dairy hall at Queen Victoria Market. His family business, M&G Caiafa – The Corner Bread Shop, is in the heart of the market and Michael has been working there with his parents since he was 13 years old.
The final two positions on the Team Wood council ticket will be held by Docklands resident and businesswoman Hope Way and strategic communications expert and Labor member Steve Michelson.
Mr Wood said his team was “uniquely qualified to lead Melbourne into a connected and prosperous future” and was made up of experienced councilors, local leaders, business owners and residents with a wide range of expertise. He said he believed there was.
“Melbourne is a city built on forward thinking, hard work, innovation and a strong sense of community,” Mr Wood said.
“Our team reflects these values, with each member having a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving all of our city's residents and businesses.” •
