Familiar face returns to Council
Councillor Wayne Oakes was elected for his second term on Council by countback following the resignation of Councillor Bev McArthur and sworn in on 20 December. He lives in Camperdown with his wife Judi. They have two children Erin (dec) and Caitlyn Fitzgerald who, with her husband Tim, has given them three grandchildren: Herbie, 6, Marlee, 4, and Bronte, 2.
A policeman for 35 years, Cr Oakes moved to Camperdown from Hoppers Crossing with his family in 1986 and has lived there ever since. He worked at every station from Colac to Warrnambool, except Port Campbell and Timboon, and retired in 2012.
He has been a member of the Lions club for 18 years District Governor, National Membership Chairman (including New Caledonia, PNG and Norfolk Island) and is now District Membership Chairman and Secretary. He is also Chairman of the Camperdown Uniting Church Council and works part time at MacQueen’s Funerals.
1. What inspired you to run for Council?
Originally I was approached by a couple of people who thought it would be a good idea. I’ve been so involved in the community that it had never entered my head. But I’m glad they approached me. I’ve met some amazing people through being on Council. The Councillors are fantastic. Council officers have been amazingly supportive. The second time came out of the blue as a result of the resignation of my predecessor. It wasn’t something I was expecting.
2. What were your impressions of being a Councillor during your previous term?
My first impression was of the gravity of some of the decisions we make. (Former Councillor) Geoff Smith said to me “We make decisions that change people’s lives”. It sunk in and has been in the back of my mind ever since.
3. What do you enjoy about being a Councillor?
Sometimes it’s the little achievements that make a difference for someone. Someone might just come up to you with something and if it can be done quickly, it is, and if it can’t, there’s a good reason. Most times people are happy to take the explanation because Council has a good reputation for being straight up.
4. What are you really looking forward to?
I enjoy the thought of making a practical contribution to the community. I enjoy that in many ways in life, and Council is one of them.
5. What do you believe some of the challenges will be for this Council?
Between here and Geelong, watching the development of estates – it’s not out of the question that Camperdown could get caught up in it. I like the fact that things are progressing gently here but that might change. Council is developing a really good policy to cover issuing of permits to build so it doesn’t get out of control.