Council By-Election Confirmed After Barrera Resignation

Wyndham City Council ratepayers and residents in the Heathdale Ward will head back to the ballot box in August 2026, with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) confirming a by-election to fill the seat left vacant by former mayor Cr Jennie Barrera’s resignation on 1 May.

Cr Barrera quit on the same day the Victorian Government appointed two municipal monitors — Jim Gifford and Jo-Anne Mazzeo — to oversee the council. Her resignation followed sustained pressure on Mayor Preet Singh to step down after revelations he provided a character reference in April 2024 for Kashyap Patel, who was later jailed for child sex offences. All ten of Cr Singh’s fellow councillors have publicly called on him to resign, and three resident-led protests have been held across Wyndham.

In her resignation statement, Cr Barrera said the council had become impossible to operate within.

“The current situation at Wyndham City makes it untenable to continue in my role as Councillor,” she said.

“The current environment makes it impossible to effectively represent the community’s interests and therefore prevents me fulfilling my role effectively.”

The by-election will be conducted by post, and Victorian Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel is urging eligible voters to ensure their enrolment details are up to date.

“You must be correctly enrolled by the close of roll, which is 4 pm on Wednesday 20 May,” Mr Bluemmel said.

“As this is a postal election, it’s important to check your address details are correct – this includes any alternative postal address.”

Around 15,800 voters are enrolled in the Heathdale Ward, which covers parts of Hoppers Crossing, Werribee and surrounds.

“If you’re an Australian citizen living in Heathdale Ward and you’ve recently turned 18 or moved, you can enrol or update your details online at vec.vic.gov.au/enrolment,” Mr Bluemmel said.

Ratepayers in the ward can apply to the council to enrol by calling 1300 023 411. Property owners, occupiers and corporations who pay rates may also apply to be enrolled, even if they are not Australian citizens, provided they do not have another voting entitlement at Wyndham City Council. Applications close at 4pm on Wednesday 20 May 2026.

Owner-ratepayers who were automatically enrolled in the Heathdale Ward for the 2024 general council election will continue to be enrolled for the by-election, unless their circumstances have changed. Council-enrolled voters can check their enrolment by calling the council on 1300 023 411.

“Voting in local council elections is compulsory if you are enrolled. We encourage ratepayers who are eligible to apply to vote to participate in their democracy,” Mr Bluemmel said.

“Your local council makes important decisions about your community services and businesses, so it’s important to have your say by voting in this by-election.”