Spirits were high at the Lindsay Labor election party on Saturday as Anthony Albanese was re-elected for a second term as Prime Minister.
And although local Labor candidate Hollie McLean didn’t claim victory, everyone in the conference room at the Penrith RSL Club on Saturday night was beaming with pride.
After declaring Lindsay was too tight to call on election night, McLean conceded defeat to Liberal MP Melissa McIntosh on Sunday.
“I want to begin by thanking the people of Lindsay for the opportunity to campaign across our vibrant and growing community,” McLean said.
“It has been a privilege to speak with so many residents who care deeply about our region and its future.”
McLean said Labor’s results in the seat showed a mood of change was starting to form.
“This election saw a strong swing towards Labor in Lindsay – a clear sign that our message resonated with voters who want a real investment in their future, not more of the same,” McLean said.

“That momentum is something we will continue to build on.”
With just over 84 per cent of the vote counted, McLean has achieved a 2.6 per cent swing to the ALP after preferences.
Of concern however would be Labor’s stable primary vote, not increasing in Lindsay despite the party’s national dominance.
On the night, McLean watched as the swing grew and at different moments, faint hopes were raised of a stunning upset victory.
“This is very close, and to be able to stand here after the last couple of federal campaigns that we’ve had where it’s been well before this time of night that we’ve known what’s happening – I’m telling you, we have a huge swing,” McLean said around 9.30pm on Saturday.
“This is an exciting result, and it shows what can be done – not with cash, not with all the money you can put into advertising and putting your face everywhere … this is what passion and people power and dedication to our values does in our community.”

After the race concluded, the unsuccessful McLean congratulated McIntosh on her re-election and wished her well in representing Lindsay in the Federal Parliament.
“This campaign was never just about politics – it was about people and the values we hold. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported and believed in our vision for a fairer, stronger western Sydney,” McLean wrote.
McLean continues to serve as a Labor Councillor on Penrith City Council.

Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.