Ms Chesters achieved a two candidate preferred count of 51.40 per cent, with all votes returned.
On Saturday, May 10, all of the 66 polling places had returned their two candidate preferred counts.
A statement from Ms Chesters’ team was released at 2pm on Saturday.
“I am honoured and humbled to have been elected to represent our community in Bendigo and central Victoria for the fifth time,” Ms Chesters said.
“I love our community, and just as I have done over the past 12 years, I will continue to work hard every day to deliver the things people and businesses in our region need and deserve.
“Our grassroots local campaign was focused on the things that are most important to our community — not on negative personal politics, funded by millions of dollars.”
Ms Chesters has held the seat of Bendigo since the 2013 federal election.
In her statement, she thanked her team and reiterated the Labor election pledges.
“I am so proud to work in our community, to represent Bendigo in Canberra and be a strong voice in the Albanese Labor Government,” Ms Chesters said.
“Now it’s time to get back to work and deliver on the better health care, higher wages, greater housing options and world-class education and training that Australians voted for last Saturday.
“I’m deeply grateful to my wonderful family, campaign team, incredible volunteers and the mighty Australian Labor Party for all their support.”
Mr Lethlean conceded defeat on Friday, May 9, releasing a statement reflecting on his campaign.
“While I am disappointed with this likely outcome, I am also proud to have been a part of a team that has delivered the biggest swing against Labor in the country,” he said.
“I put myself forward as a candidate for the seat of Bendigo because I wanted to make a difference, given the Labor Party has taken our region for granted for so long.
“We ran a strong and positive campaign with plans for the future of our region and we challenged the Labor Government to deliver a fair share for our community.”
In Rochester, Mr Lethlean garnered 71.31 per cent of the two candidate preferred count.
Similarly, in Elmore he attracted 68.04 per cent of the count and in Goornong he received 62.77 per cent.
In his statement, Mr Lethlean highlighted the swing of 8.32 on a first preference count against the ALP in Bendigo.
“It is extremely humbling to receive such a huge swing towards the Nationals and I know this is a seat we will be able to win in the future,” he said.
“It was an extraordinary honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to stand up for the community I love and I will continue to do whatever I can to make sure Bendigo receives its fair share into the future.
“Finally, congratulations to Lisa Chesters, Matt Evans and all of the other candidates who were in the race. I wish Ms Chesters well for this next term of parliament and hope that she works hard to represent the needs of our community.”
The ABC called the seat on Friday at 12.32pm. Nationally, seven seats remained too close to be called as of Monday morning.
The re-elected Albanese Government will determine its cabinet on Tuesday, May 13, while the Liberal Party will meet on Tuesday to elect a new leader, with Farrer’s Sussan Ley among the contenders.
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