Gerald Lynch
Brimbank has its first Greens councillor in 15 years, after Lucy Nguyen knocked out incumbent councillor Sam David in the Kororoit Creek Ward.
Ms Nguyen secured 55.46 per cent of the final vote, marking a significant win for the Greens in Brimbank.
In Albanvale Ward, independent incumbent Victoria Borg secured a decisive victory on first preferences, winning with 60.83 per cent, a strong show of community support that allowed her to bypass the need for preference distribution.
Over in Cherry Creek Ward, a tight race ended with Labor candidate Kim Thien Truong narrowly edging out community activist Graeme Blore, finishing with 50.79 per cent of the vote after preferences were distributed.
In Copernicus Ward, incumbent Liberal councillor Maria Kerr managed to defend her seat against former mayor Georgina Papafotiou, winning comfortably with 59.23 per cent of the final tally.
In Delahey Ward, Labor’s Katharine Nikolic winning a two-candidate contest with 58.95 per cent.
In Grasslands Ward, incumbent Thuy Dang defeated Phung Hoa Lu, ending with 56.70 per cent after preferences.
In Harvester Ward, Labor’s Daniel Kruk won a competitive race, securing 53.19 per cent after preferences over Liz Walsh.
Horseshoe Bend Ward had independent incumbent Virginia Tachos holding her ground against challenger Fred Ackerman, winning with 53.90 per cent of the vote after preferences were tallied.
Independent and former Liberal Joh Bauch claimed Mount Derrimut ward with 58.20 per cent over Tayla Vorgiatzidis, with preference support boosting him to victory.
Labor’s Ranka Rasic had a comfortable win in Organ Pipes Ward, securing 45.81 per cent of first preferences and finishing with 53.14 per cent on preference support.
In St Albans East Ward, independent and ex-councillor Duyen Anh Pham returned to council, defeating Nghi Neil Ta with 56.10 per cent after preferences were distributed.
Seven of the 11 councillors were part of previous councils, and there are nine female and two male councillors.
Brimbank council chief executive Fiona Blair extended congratulations to the new councillors.
“It is both an honour and a tremendous responsibility to be voted to represent the best interests of the community,” she said.
“Together we can build a transformed Brimbank that is beautiful, thriving, healthy and connected – a city that is a great place to live, work and grow.”
The first meeting of the new council is scheduled for 6pm on Wednesday, November 20.
The mayor and deputy mayor will be voted on this night.
The councillors will represent their community on Brimbank council until the next general council election in October 2028.
