Mikaela Stafrace, the ALP candidate for Caulfield in the upcoming state election, is deeply rooted in the community, having lived locally for more than 20 years. She says her decision to run stems from a desire to give Caulfield a strong voice at the table – one she believes has been absent for 12 years.
Stafrace’s background is one of overcoming adversity. A lawyer, she was the first in her family to finish high school and graduate from the University of Melbourne Law School, crediting Gough Whitlam’s free education reforms for her pathway out of poverty. She paid her own school fees in the last two years of her schooling. Beyond her legal career, she has established a charity, served on boards, and been a past president of Rotary. She is also a mother and grandmother of nine.
Stafrace identifies four key areas of focus: education, housing, health and community safety. Education is pivotal to her, as she attributes her success to access to free education. On housing, she emphasises affordability and quality, highlighting the need to address the growing number of older women living in cars and to consider housing for different life stages. Health is personal: her husband and three children are doctors, and she advocates for community hubs at places like Caulfield Hospital rather than private development. Finally, she stresses the importance of community safety, belonging and knowing your neighbours.
Stafrace positions herself as an energetic and caring advocate with real-life experience, not a career politician. Her key message for the campaign launch is “Creating opportunity”, reflecting her belief that providing pathways and opportunities enables people to achieve their dreams.
After meeting Stafrace, TWiSK has this unsolicited advice for other candidates: never underestimate a grandmother.
TWiSK will publish similar interviews with other candidates in Albert Park, Brighton, Caulfield and Prahran as nominations become public.
