Greater Bendigo City Council by-election set for March 2026
Monday 24 November 2025
For immediate release
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is asking residents and ratepayers in Greater Bendigo City Council, Lockwood Ward to be ready to have their say in the by-election scheduled for March 2026, following the resignation of Councillor John McIlrath.
The by- election will be held by post.
‘You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4 pm on Wednesday 14 January 2026. As this is a postal election, it’s important to check your address details are correct – this includes any alternative postal address,’ Mr Bluemmel said.
‘If you’re an Australian citizen living in Lockwood Ward and you’ve recently turned 18 or moved, you can enrol or update your details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment.’
Ratepayers in Lockwood Ward can apply to the council to enrol by calling 1300 002 642. 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.
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.
‘Voting in local council elections is compulsory if you are enrolled. We encourage ratepayers who are eligible to apply to vote to participate in their democracy,’ Mr Bluemmel said.
‘Your local council makes important decisions about your community services and businesses, so it’s important to have your say by voting in this by-election.’
Around 10,000 Victorians are enrolled in Lockwood Ward, which includes West Bendigo, Maiden Gully, Lockwood and surrounds.