Victorian state election · Legislative Assembly
South Barwon
Current member
Darren Cheeseman, Independent (Labor until 29 April 2024)Not among the candidates announced so far for 2026. The list may be incomplete; this doesn't mean they're retiring.
Candidates
Who's running
7 candidates have been announced or preselected for South Barwon, 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. 5 of 7 candidates have a profile so far, written by this site from the sources listed with it.
A mental health worker and social worker of close to 20 years in the public health system, and a union delegate. Grew up in Geelong.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (1)
A trans woman who works in tech support and hospitality and volunteers at a homeless service in Geelong.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (1)
Born, raised and educated in Geelong; a former national champion athlete who built a global business.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (1)
A Geelong teacher, women's health advocate and community organiser.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (1)
An Armstrong Creek local and former community newspaper journalist. Was Labor's candidate for Melbourne in 2022, winning 30.7% of first preferences.
Draft profile, not yet reviewed · sources (2)
Voting
How to vote in South Barwon
Two ballot papers
Lower house (Legislative Assembly): you choose the member for South Barwon, 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 Darren Cheeseman
- Electorate office
- T06, 458-480 Torquay Road, Armstrong creek, VIC, 3217
- Phone
- 03 5218 5070
- darren.cheeseman@parliament.vic.gov.au
- Online
- FacebookInstagramWebsite
Source: Parliament of Victoria, updated 28 Aug 2026.