Greater Bendigo City Council by-election coming in new year
Friday 19 December 2025
For immediate release
As we wind down for the holiday period, the Victorian Electoral Commission is gearing up for a by-election in Greater Bendigo City Council’s Lockwood Ward to be held in March 2026.
Residents and ratepayers in Lockwood Ward are reminded to check their enrolment ahead of the close of the voters’ roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 14 January 2026. The nomination period for candidates will open on Monday 9 February 2026.
The by-election will be conducted by postal vote and the successful candidate will fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Councillor John McIlrath. Ballot packs will be distributed from Friday 6 March 2026, so it’s important that voters have their correct address details on the roll.
Owner-ratepayers who were automatically enrolled in Lockwood Ward for the 2024 general election for Greater Bendigo City Council will continue to be enrolled for the by-election, unless their circumstances have changed. Council-enrolled voters can check their enrolment by calling the council on 1300 002 642.
Australian citizens living in Lockwood Ward who have recently turned 18 or moved can enrol or update their details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment.
As long as they don’t have another voting entitlement in Greater Bendigo City Council and pay rates, property owners or occupiers and corporations can apply to be enrolled, even if they are not a citizen. Applications close at 4 pm on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
Around 10,000 Victorians are enrolled in Lockwood Ward, which includes West Bendigo, Maiden Gully, Lockwood and surrounds.