Local government
by-elections 2025
Two local government by-elections have been conducted, following the same timetable, to fill vacancies on the Central Highlands and Dorset councils.
A vacancy on Central Highlands Council followed the passing of Councillor Anthony (Tony) Bailey on 9 July 2025, and another on Dorset Council followed the resignation of Councillor James Cashion on 26 June 2025.
Both vacancies remained unfilled after a recount process, requiring these by-elections.
Shelley Triffett was elected to the Central Highlands Council and, as only one candidate nominated to contest the by-election in Dorset, no ballot was required and Anthony Richards was declared elected. Both councillors have been elected to serve until the next ordinary elections in September/October 2026.
Local government elections are conducted by postal ballot. Voting is compulsory.
Counting of votes for Central Highlands commenced at 9 am on Tuesday 23 September 2025.
Five candidates nominated for Central Highlands Council. A ballot was required.
As only one candidate has nominated for Dorset Council, no ballot was required.
Nominations open
Enrolment closes
Nominations close
Nominations announced
Ballot packs delivered by post
Close of poll
Counting of ballot papers and results
Every elector in the Central Highlands municpial area will be sent a personally addressed postal ballot pack, to be completed and returned before the close of the polling period.
Voting in local government elections is compulsory.
Answers to common questions about voting, enrolment, employment, campaigning and more.
This chart shows the number of ballot paper envelopes returned per day, and a cumulative total.
Returns
(final): 1,823
Electors enrolled: 2,546
Response rate
(final): 71.60%
Candidates, printers, publishers, and broadcasters are required to submit an electoral advertising return to the TEC, reporting particulars of election-related advertising.
This information must be returned no later than 45 days after the day on which the certificate of election is issued.
Further information and forms are available for candidates, printers, publishers and broadcasters.
Nominations have closed.
If you wish to stand as a candidate, a range of information is available to help you understand the eligibility requirements and nomination process. You'll also find guidance on the rules that candidates must follow.
To vote in this local government by-election, you must be correctly enrolled before 6 pm on Thursday 21 August 2025.
If you are correctly enrolled for state and federal elections then you are automatically enrolled to vote in local government elections. If you don’t live in the municipal area, you may be eligible for inclusion on the General Manager’s roll.
Further information is available to assist you if you need to enrol to vote or update your enrolment.
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