Monique Ryan has retained Kooyong

In a spirited election night atmosphere, Monique Ryan was declared the winner in the Kooyong seat, retaking her position as the independent representative following a narrow race. Her victory, celebrated with hundreds of teal-clad supporters in Hawthorn, symbolizes a major win for the independent community movement, particularly in a traditionally blue-ribbon seat previously held by the Liberal Party. The election night was filled with anticipation and excitement, underscored by music and the camaraderie of volunteers who played a significant role in Ryan's campaign. Ryan, reflecting on her initial term, acknowledged the hurdles she faced in establishing her office and managing expectations within a highly public arena. She expressed gratitude towards the community that rallied behind her, emphasizing the importance of independent representation in enhancing local governance. Amidst celebrations, she pointed to the heightened toxicity of the campaign environment this year compared to her joyous win in 2022, suggesting broader societal changes have influenced voter sentiment. Other candidates like Amelia Hamer from the Liberal Party and Peter Khalil and Samantha Ratnam from the Labor and Greens parties respectively faced their own challenges, with results in various other electorates still hanging in the balance. The mood among Ryan’s supporters was one of relief and triumph, as they reflected on the hard work that has culminated in this victory. The outcomes across different seats will be scrutinized closely, as they are indicative of potential shifts in Australian politics, especially with increased voter engagement from independent movements and minor parties. As the night wound down, Ryan sent a hopeful message, stating that with collective effort, joy and cohesion can be restored in the country.