Former councillor Cathy Oke joins Arron Wood’s team for Melbourne

Former Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood has revealed his team to challenge incumbent Lord Mayor Nick Reece at October’s City of Melbourne election, which sees the surprise return of a former long-term councillor.

Having already announced his candidate for Deputy Lord Mayor in swimwear entrepreneur Erin Deering back in August, Mr Wood has now revealed his full team with current councillor Phil Le Liu at the top of the council ticket.

“Philip’s work in local government exemplifies 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 had tipped Cr Le Liu, a long-term CBD resident and former Liberal Party member who led the council’s finance portfolio during the last term, to fill the number one spot on the Team Wood ticket. However, it’s the name filling the second position who looks set to be making a shock return to Town Hall.   

That is former Greens councillor and Kensington local Dr Cathy Oke, who served on the council for 12 years between 2008 and 2020 and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her service to local government and the environment in 2023.

Dr Oke was a valuable contributor to the City of Melbourne during her time as a councillor, largely working across the transport and environment portfolios, and currently she leads the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Cities.

The addition of Dr Oke provides strong balance to the Team Wood ticket, which, if successful, could very well see her re-elected for a fourth term. However, even if Mr Wood isn’t successful in winning Lord Mayoralty, Dr Oke still has a chance of being elected depending on how preferences flow.

Despite serving on the council in different teams in the past, Dr Oke previously worked for Mr Wood’s environmental not-for-profit Kids Teaching Kids for 10 years before being elected in 2008.

Mr Wood said Dr Oke had a “deep understanding of the intersection between social equity and environmental sustainability complements our vision for a greener, fairer Melbourne”, adding that “her expertise will help guide our city toward a more inclusive, sustainable future.”

Filling the number three and four spots on the Team Wood ticket respectively, are lawyer and former City of Melbourne councillor Nicolas Zervos, and proud Carlton resident and community leader Hala Nur.

Following them in fifth position is Michael Caiafa, who very briefly served as a councillor following the 2016 election before being removed due to a recount triggered by disqualified candidate Brook Wandin.

Mr Caiafa is a second-generation trader and one of the most recognised and respected figures in the Dairy Hall of the Queen Victoria Market. His family business, M & G Caiafa – The Corner Bread Shop, sits at the heart of the market, where Michael has been working alongside his parents since the age of 13.

The final two positions on the Team Wood council ticket will be taken by Docklands resident and businesswoman Hope Wei, and strategic communications expert and Labor Party member Steve Michelson.

Mr Wood said he believed his team was “uniquely qualified to lead Melbourne into a connected and prosperous future”, and was comprised of experienced councillors, local leaders, business owners and residents who bring a range of expertise.

“Melbourne is a city built of forward thinking, hard work, innovation and a strong sense of community,” Mr Wood said.

“Our team reflects these values, with each member bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving all of the city’s residents and businesses.” •