Council pays tribute to the late Cr Oakes
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Published on 20 March 2020
Corangamite Shire Council has paid tribute to Cr Wayne Oakes, who passed away on Thursday 19 March as a result of lingering health issues.
He served as Central Ward Councillor with the Shire from 2012 to 2016 and returned to office on a countback in December 2018 following the resignation of Bev Mcarthur.
“In one form or another I have always wanted to be of service to my community, he said at the time of his re-election. “When I was contacted and informed that fate had smiled on me for a second time, I jumped at the opportunity to return to Council. “
A policeman for 35 years, Cr Oakes moved to Camperdown from Hoppers Crossing with his family in 1986 and never left. 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 20 years , including stints as District Governor, National Membership Chairman (including New Caledonia, PNG and Norfolk Island) and District Membership Chairman and Secretary.
He was also Chairman of the Camperdown Uniting Church Council and worked part time at MacQueen’s Funerals. He was also involved with the Victorian Council of Churches as a carer and chaplain.
Cr Oakes is survived by his wife Judi, daughter Caitlyn Fitzgerald, her husband Tim, and three beloved grandchildren: Herbie, Marlee, and Bronte. His much loved daughter Erin passed away early in his first term as a Councillor.
Mayor Neil Trotter said he and his fellow Councillors felt a great sense of loss.
“Our thoughts are with Judi and the family,” he said. “Wayne and I were elected at the same time. We came to Council together. Over that time, we developed a friendship.
“He was a conscientious Councillor and his experience as a sergeant of police at Camperdown and throughout the Western District was a valuable asset for him as a Councillor. He was level-headed and pragmatic and had great empathy for younger members of the community and those who were socially disadvantaged.
“Wayne was heavily involved in the community and made a large contribution.”
Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason paid tribute to Cr Oakes on behalf of Shire staff.
“Wayne was a terrific bloke—kind-hearted and loved a chat.
“He had a great love for his family and showed a tremendous amount of energy in his work across the Church, Lions and other community groups.
“He believed in helping people and that even small achievements could make a significant improvement in someone’s life.
“He prided himself on being ‘straight up’ with people and was a dedicated representative who will be missed.”
Cr Oakes had served in various capacities with the following Council committees:
Elm Tree Reference Group Youth Council Chief Executive Officer Performance Review Committee. Australia Day Committee Corangamite Arts and Culture Steering Group Central Pools Advisory Committee Lake Bullen Merri and Gnotuk Advisory Committee Cobden Aerodrome Committee Corangamite Shire team leader for the Great South Coast Ice Challenge