The Source: Belle Gibson … no not that one, in Yarra council bid

If politics is all about name recognition, then one woman throwing her hat in the ring at the upcoming council elections is off to a flyer.

The controversial Belle Gibson, and definitely NOT the Belle Gibson running for City of Yarra council. Picture: AAP

Nominations for next month’s council elections closed on Tuesday and a few names caught our eye.

There is a certain Belle Gibson putting her hand up in the City of Yarra. But no, not that Belle Gibson. It’s a Victorian Socialist candidate by the same name who is promising to “stand up to developers and fight for ordinary people’’.

Former AFL star player John Barnes, the 2000 Essendon premiership ruckman, has nominated in the City of Moonee Valley, campaigning on local issues and better decision-making.

Former Essendon premiership player John Barnes has nominated for the City of Mooney Valley.

Olivia Tjandramulia has joined team Kouta. Picture: AAP

Another familiar name has popped up in the City of Melbourne where Cathy Oke has been named on Arron Wood’s councillor ticket.

Ms Oke was a Greens councillor at Town Hall between 2008 and 2020, and was awarded an OAM in 2023 for services to local government and the environment.

Also in Melbourne, Team Kouta has recruited tennis player Olivia Tjandramulia whose career-high doubles ranking of 100 was achieved in 2023. Advantage anyone?