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10.34pm.
10.17pm.
10.09pm.
Latest from Nick Payne at Trades Hall.
Trades Hall is emptying out.
But the campaign never ends for Trades Hall president Brett Edgington.
"We're under instructions to sleep tomorrow and start campaigning against the Abbott government on Monday," Mr Edgington said.
10.06pm.
Ben Taylor gracious in defeat. Chatting with Federal minister Michael Ronaldson here...
10pm.
8.50pm.
8.41pm.
Melissa Cunningham at a somber Liberal HQ:
Federal minister for Veterans Affairs Michael Ronaldson has just arrived at the Liberal HQ's to show his support. Mr Ronaldson said he is still hopeful.
"There are plenty more votes to be counted yet," he said.
8.40pm.
From reporter Nick Payne at Trades Hall:
Knight and Howard are making their way through the happy throng.
Lots of hugs and kisses. Knight is in trademark ALP red and Howard is dressed like a maths/science teacher replete with a pen in his shirt pocket.
It's starting to get hot in Trades Hall with all the excitement, and people have already begun fanning themselves with paper plates from the food table.
Expecting a speech from the leaders any time now, stay tuned!
Knight is about to do a live cross with ABC.
8.38pm.
From reporter Nadia Wu at Liberal Party HQ:
The political reality seems to be sinking in for Liberal supporters.
Rosemary Anderson said voters care about the politics that affected them personally - and that was the beauty of a democracy
"People want to vote the way they wasn't to vote," she said.
"I think political parties have to pay attention to that."
8.36pm.
REPLAY the rousing entrance of Sharon Knight and Geoff Howard to Trades Hall as part of our 8.30pm live update. WATCH HERE.
8.19pm. More from Trades Hall with Nick Payne.
The vibe is overwhelmingly positive at Trades Hall (and not just because more pizzas just arrived).
Looking around the crowd, there is a decent mix of ages among supporters, with a high turnout from some older local residents.
Speaking with Jenny Morrison of the Australia Nursing Federation, she is "ecstatic" with the way the night is turning out.
"This is great for health, and great for nurses," she said.
8.17pm.
8.13pm.
Photographer Adam Trafford has captured the contrasts between Liberal and Labor HQ.
8.10pm.
More from Nadia Wu down at Liberal HQ.
About half an hour after start time and people are slowly starting to trickle in.
Waiter Daniel Reichelt, who has been pouring drinks for Liberal supporters, said he expected things to get busier in the next 10 to 15 minutes.
8.08pm.
And from Nick Payne Trades Hall:
The room's buzzing, but still no sign of the ALP candidates.
Campaign manager for Sharon Knight Simon Hammersly is trying to keep his enthusiasm in check.
"We'll wait until they're all counted, but it's looking promising!"
And speaking of promises, one local secondary teacher here is already counting a $6million education funding boost to the region, surrounded by a sea of "I'm tight with Sharon Knight" t-shirts.
Just received news that early numbers out of one local booth are showing 981 votes Knight to 583 votes Coltman.
8.06pm.
Just in from Liberal Party HQ from reporter Nadia Wu:
Liberal supporter Amanda Plush said she's "just here to support Craig (Coltman)". But she said "it's anyone's guess" as to who will win the election.
John Plush acknowledged the fight would be difficult.
"An entrenched member is always hard to displace," he said.
7.47pm.
Reporter Nick Payne:
Labor supporters are already crying tears of joy.
The celebrations have started early at Labor HQ, as preliminary results have Sharon Knight retaining the seat of Wendouree. The room erupted in cheers, hugs and spontaneous toasts as the news came in.
There's a strong firefighters union contingent in attendance, and the mood is cheerfully optimistic, as the wine and beer begins to flow.
7.42pm. Reporter Alex Hamer from Trades Hall:
The mood is electric at Trades Hall after a strong early showing for Sharon Knight. She has a strong lead after less than 20 per cent of the vote has been counted, on (number).
There are Labor stalwarts as well as firies and newer recruits among the 50 people here. Big leads in Bentleigh and Frankston were also celebrated.
7.40pm. Our editor Andrew Eales has CALLED a seat in the wider Ballarat region (Macedon for ALP - not unexpected!)
7.24pm.
7.15pm.
Ben Taylor has a slight lead in Buninyong.
7.13pm.
WENDOUREE: Strong signs early for Labor, with Sharon Knight claiming 48% of the primary vote so far.
RIPON: Liberal candidate Louise Staley off to a flyer, with an 8.5% lead on a two party preferred basis.
7.09pm.
Our reporters are on scene at respective party HQs.
7.05pm.
You can replay our 7pm video update here.
6.52pm. We will be LIVE with a video update on the situation for the Ballarat region at 7pm. Follow along here.
6.48pm.
The first two-candidate preferred count is in for Buninyong. Ben Taylor is 61% and Geoff Howard is on 39%.
6.47pm.
1100 votes counted in Buninyong. Geoff Howard is on 41%, Ben Taylor is on 36%, Sonia Smith is on 7% and the Greens' Tony Goodfellow is on 10.5%.
There are still no votes available for Wendouree.
6.45pm.
In Ripon, with 580 votes counted, Louise Staley has 34% of the primary vote, ALP's Daniel McGlone on 28% and the Nationals Scott Turner is on 26%.
6.43pm.
Scott Turner showing good early signs in Ripon, while Ben Taylor is on 42% and Geoff Howard is 37% in Buninyong after 590 votes counted.
6.32pm.
First votes counted in Buninyong. Ben Taylor has 50% of the primary vote, Geoff Howard has 30%, Sonia Smith is on 9%. Only 150 votes counted so far....
6.28pm.
Locals happy with being in a marginal seat.
6.27pm.
So it appears Ballarat is the centre of the universe tonight.
We've got most major television news outlets set up shop in town, we've got major attention from metropolitan newspapers and everyone has their eye firmly on the seats of Wendouree and Buninyong. Ripon will also be tight, but is expected to go to the Coalition.
6.25pm.
Vote for the first time today? You weren't alone. WATCH THE VIDEO
6.17pm
No results for any Ballarat seats yet. While we wait, why not check out this in depth analysis of Ballarat's barbecue scene. WATCH THE VIDEO