Rob Guthrie has been elected to Macedon Ranges Shire Council, following a countback by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) of formal ballot papers from the last general election.
The countback was conducted on Monday 1 September, to fill an extraordinary vacancy in the South Ward following the passing of the late Christine Walker in August 2025.
Votes were redistributed to candidates in the South Ward who were unsuccessful at the 2024 general election, and who remained eligible to participate in the countback.
Following the countback, the VEC declared Rob Guthrie, a former Councillor in the last term, as the successful candidate to fill the vacancy. Mr Guthrie has accepted the nomination and will commence in the role of Councillor once he is officially sworn in next week.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said: "On behalf of our Councillor group, I warmly welcome Rob back to Council and look forward to working together with him – both in his capacity as a South Ward Councillor and as part of the broader Councillor group – for the betterment of our Macedon Ranges communities."
"Following Christine's sudden and sad passing, I acknowledge it is challenging circumstances for Rob to come into – we'll support him in the role, while still remembering Christine's positive contributions and the legacy she has left."
CEO Bernie O'Sullivan echoed the Mayor's sentiments, adding: "Council is pleased to welcome Rob back to the chamber – Rob is an experienced multi-term Councillor, having previously served in the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor, so will no doubt quickly get up to speed."
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