Eureka election Settled

Michaela Settle and Matilda (4) at West Maddingley Early Years Hub. (Damjan Janevski) 234710_01

Liam McNally

Labor candidate Michaela Settle has been elected for the newly named seat of Eureka.

Ms Settle received 40.5 per cent of the first preference vote and 56 per cent of the two-candidate preferred count.

Liberal’s Paul Tatchell received 32.6 per cent of the first preference, and the Greens’ Sam McColl received 10.6 per cent.

Under two previous incarnations of the electorate – Buninyong and Ballarat East, the area has been held by Labor since 1999.

Ms Settle was elected as the MP for Buninyong at the 2018 election.

Ms Settle said over the last four years she has “spread her time over every part of Moorabool Shire, in communities big and small.”

“I will keep it up over the next four years because locals know what communities need, and because I’m here to help,” she said.

“My first priority is making sure important local commitments like improving traffic flow and a new home for the bowls clubs in Bacchus Marsh are on track.

“At pre-poll and on election day, there was a great community atmosphere. I chalk this up to the respectful way all candidates in Eureka engaged in the election.

“It’s a huge honour to represent your community in the Victorian Parliament and I am grateful for such strong support in the election.”