Melbourne-born entrepreneur, fashion icon and local business owner Erin Deering today announced her decision to run as Deputy Lord Mayor at this year’s City of Melbourne elections.
Standing outside the iconic Myer Windows in the CBD, Deering announced her plan to bring fresh leadership to Town Hall.
“Politics is something I have considered for a very long time. Having had personal and business success, I’m now ready to step up and serve people and the community, which is something that I am incredibly passionate about,” said Deering.
A proud Melbournian, Deering founded the swimwear brand Triangl in 2012 and has unique ability to innovate and lead on a global scale. Raised in a middle-class family and having risked it all to start her business Deering wants to be part of a council that supports entrepreneurs like herself. Her experience living and working in some of the world’s greatest cities has fueled her drive to restore Melbourne’s vibrancy. Erin is determined to challenge the status quo, bring a fresh approach to City Council and help Melbourne reclaim its status as a world-class city.
“I am excited to bring my business experience and passion for serving the people of Melbourne to Town Hall. Our city has so much potential, and I look forward to helping unlock it,” said Deering.
Lord Mayoral candidate Arron Wood expressed his enthusiasm for Erin joining the campaign, “Erin's dynamic approach and dedication to the city make her the perfect choice for Deputy Lord Mayor. Together, we’ll revitalise Melbourne and support our local businesses and residents.”
Team Wood also announced their support for a calendar of events that celebrate the multicultural, multifaith and global dates in our communities throughout the year, including their vision to make Melbourne Australia’s Christmas Capital.
“What better place to let Melbourne know about Team Wood’s vision for Christmas than from the Myer windows? If elected, Team Wood will include provisions in their first City of Melbourne budget that will transform the CBD, Docklands and Southbank into a Christmas wonderland, encouraging families and visitors back into the city,” said Wood.
Team Wood’s plan for Christmas in Melbourne includes:
Establishing an annual Christmas Parade through the city
European-inspired Christmas markets along Southbank
Bringing the beloved Epicure Gingerbread Village back to Town Hall, raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital
A special 'What’s On Melbourne', Christmas Edition to showcase all participating businesses and with promotional opportunities, sponsored by the City of Melbourne and participating businesses
Free permits and support to close local streets for community events to foster connections between residents
1,000 x $500 grants for neighbourhood and apartment tower community events to foster connections between residents
A Town Hall sponsored city-wide drive to support organisations that support families who are doing it harder than most, such as the Salvation Army and Mission Australia
A graffiti blitz and Council funded security guards, to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors
Full renewal and new Christmas decorations for the remaining years of the Council term.
“Our goal is to give people a reason to return to the CBD, supporting retailers and small businesses who are struggling from the decrease in foot,” Wood emphasised.
“Supporting a calendar of events such as these Christmas initiatives will not only bring joy to our city but also provide much-needed support to our local businesses and some low-cost entertainment for our community. From my experience in Town Hall, I know that Christmas has the greatest economic benefit of any event in the city. Every dollar invested by Town Hall means significant returns for small businesses, hospitality and retail in the city,” emphasised Wood.
Team Wood will support events throughout the year, bringing our cosmopolitan residents together, by increasing funding, looking at existing infrastructure that can be used for a range of events and looking at ways to create permanent support for events.
Today’s announcement brings life to their policies to revitalise Melbourne’s economy, support communities to thrive and revive Melbourne’s cultural heartbeat.
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“I’m excited by Team Wood’s plan to make Melbourne Australia’s Christmas Capital. This will get our businesses thriving again when so many are currently struggling” said Wendi Dawson from the Melbourne Business Network.
Queen Victoria Market trader Michael Caiafa added, “This boost to Melbourne’s Christmas celebrations is exactly what the Queen Victoria Market traders and customers need, and we can’t wait to take part”.
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