If you're trying to work out what November's state election means for you, the first job is knowing which seat you're actually in. Maroondah is one council, but it sits across four state districts, and each of us is also in a council ward and a federal electorate. So let's work through one real example, then look at what Council and the candidates have told us.
A worked example: you live in Ringwood North
You live in Ringwood North. For you, the three main names to remember are Wonga, Warrandyte and Deakin.
Think of your home sitting on three different maps. Each map helps you choose people to look after different things.
1. Your neighbourhood: Maroondah City Council
Maroondah is divided into nine smaller areas called wards. Each ward elects one councillor.
You're in Wonga Ward. Your councillor is Linda Hancock, who is also the current Mayor. She works with the other eight councillors to make decisions for Maroondah.
Council deals with things like rubbish collection, local roads, parks, playgrounds, libraries and many planning applications.
Example: "Our local playground needs fixing." Start with council.
2. Your state: Victoria
Victoria is divided into areas called districts. Each district elects one person to the lower house of Victorian Parliament.
Your district is Warrandyte. Your current state MP is Nicole Werner, from the Liberal Party.
The state government deals with things like public schools, hospitals, police, public transport and major roads.
Example: "We need better bus services in Ringwood North." That's a state issue you can raise with Nicole.
You also vote for the state's upper house. Your larger area is called North-Eastern Metropolitan Region, which has five representatives. Think of this as a second team that checks and votes on proposed state laws.
3. Your country: Australia
Australia is divided into federal electorates. Ringwood North is in Deakin, according to the AEC.
Your current federal MP is Matt Gregg, from the Labor Party. He represents Deakin in Parliament in Canberra.
The federal government deals with things like Medicare, Centrelink, immigration, defence and national taxes.
Example: "I need help sorting out a Centrelink problem." Matt's office is a place to ask for help.
You also vote for senators who represent the whole of Victoria. Victoria has 12 senators, who help check and vote on national laws.
Why are the names different?
The boundaries were drawn for different elections. They don't have to line up. That's why you can live in Ringwood North but vote in a state district called Warrandyte and a federal electorate called Deakin.
Across the whole Maroondah council area, residents fall into four different state districts: Warrandyte, Ringwood, Croydon and Glen Waverley. Those are all relevant to MX's coverage, but in this example you vote in Warrandyte.
Melbourne describes the wider city you live in. It doesn't add another level of government. Your local council is Maroondah.
Not in Ringwood North? Find your own patch
It takes a couple of minutes:
Council ward: check the VEC's Maroondah page, which has the ward map and councillors.
State district and region: search your address on the VEC's interactive electoral boundaries map, linked from the 2026 state election page.
Federal electorate: use the AEC's Find my electorate search. Some Maroondah suburbs sit in Aston rather than Deakin, so it's worth checking.
Then write down your three names, just like Wonga, Warrandyte and Deakin.
Does the state election replace your councillor?
No. You elect councillors separately. November's state election won't replace your councillor or your federal MP.
However, councils must follow Victorian laws. State decisions about planning rules, funding and services can change what council can do. Some projects also involve money from more than one level of government. How the three levels work