Started as a train driver and spent nearly two decades in management on large rail infrastructure projects.
Victorian state election · Legislative Assembly
Lara
A Legislative Assembly district in the Western Victoria region. Election day is Saturday 28 November 2026.
Current member
Ella George, Australian Labor Party
Candidates
Who's running
7 candidates have been announced or preselected for Lara, listed by surname. The VEC draws ballot order and publishes the official list after nominations close at 12 noon on 9 November.
Candidate list: Tally Room 2026 seat guide, checked 5 Nov 2026. 6 of 7 candidates have a profile so far, written by this site from the sources listed with it.
Vincent Colla
Family First
Announced, not yet nominated
Labor member for Lara, who held the seat at the 2022 election, and Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Worked in family violence policy reform in the Magistrates' Court before parliament.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (2)
A health union organiser involved in the Geelong Renewables Not Gas campaign. Also ran for Lara as an independent in 2022, winning 2.7% of first preferences.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (2)
A long-time Geelong resident and worker.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (1)
A social worker who grew up in the area and now rents locally.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (1)
A Victoria Police officer, born in Geelong and living in Lara, who joined as a Protective Services Officer in 2018 and became a sworn officer in 2021.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (1)
Voting
How to vote in Lara
Two ballot papers
Lower house (Legislative Assembly): you choose the member for Lara, from the candidates above.
Upper house (Legislative Council): you help elect the five members for the Western Victoria Region.
When and where
- Early voting: Wednesday 18 to Friday 27 November
- Election day: Saturday 28 November
How-to-vote cards
Parties and candidates hand out cards showing the order they suggest. They're only suggestions: you can number the boxes in any order you choose. The VEC publishes every registered card on its website.
Filling in your ballot papers
Lower house: On the smaller lower house ballot paper, you need to number every box in the order of your choice.
Upper house: On the larger upper house ballot paper, you can choose to vote above the line or below the line. Whether you choose to vote above the line or below the line, you need to number at least one to five in your order of choice for your vote to count.
Use numbers only, no ticks or crosses. (Source: VEC)
Group voting tickets have been abolished for the upper house, so its ballot paper works differently from 2022. Check the VEC's guide even if you've voted before. (Source: Proportional Representation Society)
Instructions are quoted from the Victorian Electoral Commission, checked 5 Nov 2026.
Your state member
Contact Ella George
- Electorate office
- Shop 89, Corio Shopping Centre,, Bacchus Marsh Road, Corio, VIC, 3214
- Phone
- 03 5275 3898
- ella.george@parliament.vic.gov.au
- Online
- FacebookInstagram
Source: Parliament of Victoria, updated 28 Aug 2026.