Southbank Village has a new local member

The Liberals claimed victory in the Prahran by-election on February 8, with South Yarra resident and long-time Liberal Party member Rachel Westaway claiming the seat.

A true local of more than 20 years, Ms Westaway is well known in her community and currently serves as the president of the Thai Australian Chamber.

“Thank you to the people of Prahran for your support. I am humbled to have been declared elected today as your new representative,” Ms Westaway wrote on social media following the result.

I am deeply committed to serving our wonderful community and working my hardest to deliver for you.

Ms Westaway received just over 36 per cent of first-preference votes, with independent candidate Tony Lupton contributing to the Liberals’ rise to more than 51.6 percent in the two-party preferred vote.

“I feel very lucky to live in a city with the diversity of this seat, but it’s been neglected for so long – and I know that because I live and breathe it,” Ms Westaway said. 

“I think most people would want a local who understands the issues pertaining to the seat. Southbank in particular has been neglected by the Labor Party, supported by the Greens, and it’s something that I would like to ensure we cover because it is a tourist destination.” •