0413 850 357 contact@oscaryildiz.com.au
Essendon First — Politics Last.
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Oscar Yildiz
Independent for Essendon
Meet Oscar

A lifetime of service

The Seat of Essendon is not just a place I am campaigning in. It is a community that has been a part of my life through my Family, Work, Business, Sport and Community Service.

Born and Raised Here

Values that have guided me throughout my life

I was born in Melbourne to hardworking migrant parents who taught me the values of honesty, respect, hard work and giving back to the community. Those values have guided me throughout my life and continue to shape the way I serve others today.

A life built in the Seat of Essendon

For more than 30 years, the Seat of Essendon has been a significant part of my life through my family, work, education, sport and community service.

First job at 12

I started my first job at McEwans Hardware when I was just 12 years old and since then I've worked across more than 10 different industries including over 15 years within the events industry. Those experiences have provided me a practical understanding of the challenges faced by workers, families, small businesses and employers.

Teacher and business founder

As a teacher, I've spent more than 30 years working with young people and families. Beyond the classroom, I founded and led Educall Training Solutions, an award-winning corporate training business recognised as the Victorian and Australian Small Business Champion for Education.

Justice of the Peace and Local Government

I've proudly served as a Justice of the Peace for more than 20 years, helping thousands of people in our community, and dedicated 18 years to Local Government as a Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor.

White Ribbon Ambassador — 2012

I was appointed a White Ribbon Ambassador, becoming one of the early Local Government leaders to champion the prevention of family violence and promote respectful relationships. I continue to proudly serve as a White Ribbon Ambassador because I believe everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and free from violence.

Recognition

I'm honoured to be a La Trobe University Distinguished Alumni, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the founder of the Bully Zero Australia Foundation.

A life in sport

I've played AFL football, soccer, cricket, tennis, golf, basketball, mixed netball and taekwondo, where I achieved my Second Dan Black Belt, became a qualified Instructor and Coach and I'm also a qualified soccer referee. Sport has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, resilience, respect and giving back to the community.

Family connections

My family, including my 2 older brothers, younger sister, many relatives and lifelong friends, all have strong connections to the Seat of Essendon.

The Yildiz family Oscar with his brothers and sister in their early years Hard work from an early age
Oscar's years in sport as a qualified soccer referee Oscar with his wife Sylvia and daughters Elisa and Lara Oscar's early working years

What you see with me is what you get.

I believe in working hard, telling the truth, listening to people and always putting the community first. That's how I've lived my life. And if elected, that's exactly how I'll represent the people of Essendon.

I've never believed leadership is about titles.
I've always believed it's about service.

Oscar Yildiz
Oscar Yildiz — Independent for Essendon
About Oscar

For more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life to serving the community

I spent 18 years in Local Government, serving as a Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor.

Those roles taught me how Government works, how decisions are made and most importantly, how to advocate effectively for Local Communities.

18 Years in Local Government Twice-elected Mayor Deputy Mayor Councillor
At a glance

Oscar at a glance

Four decades of work, service, sport and family — the experience I'll bring to the Victorian Parliament.

Oscar as Mayor presenting a citizenship certificate
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A life of service

  • From working on the family farm and stacking shelves at McEwans as a young boy, to serving as a Teacher, Justice of the Peace, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor — my life has always been built on hard work and service.
  • More than 40 years' experience across Business, Education, Local Government and Community Leadership.
  • Worked across a wide range of industries including Retail, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Education, Business Development and the Not-For-Profit sector.
Oscar speaking at a Bully Zero Australia Foundation event
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Recognition and qualifications

  • Founder of the Bully Zero Australia Foundation, one of Australia's leading anti-bullying organisations.
  • La Trobe University Distinguished Alumni.
  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
  • Qualifications in Education, Business, Training, Leadership and Auditing.
Oscar at a local football club event
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Sport and community

  • Second Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, qualified Taekwondo Coach and qualified Soccer Referee.
  • Played competitive AFL football, soccer, cricket, basketball, mixed netball, tennis, golf and other community sports.
  • Passionate supporter of local schools, sporting clubs, arts, dance, music, volunteers, charities and community organisations.
Oscar with his wife Sylvia and daughters Elisa and Lara
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Family and values

  • Born and raised in Melbourne, I am a proud Australian, husband to Sylvia and father of daughters Elisa and Lara.
  • Committed to honest leadership, practical solutions and putting people before Politics.

White Ribbon Ambassador since 2012

Becoming Australia's first Local Government Mayor appointed as a White Ribbon Ambassador in 2012 remains one of the greatest honours of my public life.

My commitment to preventing family violence extends beyond words. As Mayor, I personally paid my own way to travel to Drogheda, Ireland, to meet Jill Meagher's family and express the condolences of our community following her tragic murder. It was one of the most emotional experiences of my time in public office and strengthened my resolve to promote respect, equality and safer communities for everyone.

Join Team Oscar

Volunteer, donate or contact me with your issue — strong representation begins with active listening.

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