BANYULE CITY COUNCIL, VIC. — Independent candidate Nicola Rooks has been elected Councillor for Beale Ward for the remainder of the current Council term and was formally announced at the Declaration of the Poll held on October 14, 2026, with 1700 (21.85 per cent) first-preference votes, by the Victorian Electoral Commission.
The by-election was undertaken to fill one vacancy in Beale Ward, following the resignation of former Councillor Elizabeth Nealy.
“I am honoured to share that following today’s final preference count, I have been elected as your new independent and local councillor for Beale Ward on Banyule Council,” Ms Rooks said.
“I promise to be an active, accessible representative – unafraid to stand up for our community and committed to keeping our priorities at the centre of Council’s work.”
Mayor Alison Champion congratulated Ms Rooks and welcomed her to Banyule Council.
“On behalf of Council and the Banyule community, I congratulate Nicola Rooks on her election and thank all the candidates who ran in the by-election.”
“Nicola brings extensive experience in local government and strategic town planning, and has a long history of contributing to her community. Her strong connection to Banyule and understanding of our area will be invaluable to Council and the Beale Ward community she now represents,” she said.
Nicola Rooks will be sworn in as Banyule City Council’s Beale Ward Councillor next Monday, October 19, 2026.
