Hi, I'm Jay
I’ve been the elected representative for Bulleke-bek Ward (central Brunswick) on Merri-bek City Council since 2024. My background (PhD Ecology) is as an educator and a native bee ecologist. I'm proud to be the leading voice for sustainability on council and the first Japanese-Australian representative on council.
Since getting my PhD, I've researched native bee conservation and sustainable food production. I am committed to preserving our unique biodiversity and enhancing community resilience in the face of climate change. I want to use my skills to develop policies that increase our quality of life, expand green spaces and increase affordable housing.
On council I hold the portfolios for Arts & Culture, Climate & Nature, Multiculturalism, and Urban Planning. I also chair the advisory committees for both Environmental Sustainability and the Arts, and represent Merri-bek City Council on the Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action Executive.
One of my main goals is to create a Melbourne-wide pollinator biodiversity corridor, to bring wildlife (and bees in particular) back to the urban landscape and show that we can plan cities that include nature.
Together, let’s build a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive Merri-bek for all.
