Labor candidate Katelin McInerney has won the Kiama by-election replacing disgraced former MP Gareth Ward.

The party made the call with less than 40 per cent of the vote counted, and with Ms McInerney holding a significant lead over Liberal candidate Serena Copley.

Ms Copley conceded defeat alongside Liberal leader Mark Speakman. 

Woman speaking at a podium

Katelin McInereny speaks to her supporters after winning the Kiama by-election. (ABC Illawarra: Romy Gilbert)

Meanwhile, NSW Premier Chris Minns said Kiama now has a voice for the community.

“I want to thank the people of Kiama for putting their trust in Labor. We do not take that trust for granted,” he said in a statement.

“We promised if Katelin was elected, the people of Kiama would have a strong local voice inside government, fighting for better schools, better hospitals, and the infrastructure the community deserves. 

“Kiama now has that voice inside government, and I know Katelin will be a fierce advocate for her community.”

Ms McInerney thanked the community and the Premier for putting their faith in her.

“I was incredibly humbled and I’m so grateful [Minns] put his faith in me,” she said.

“He showed up so often for this party , for us and for the people of Kiama.” 

The Kiama High School graduate said she will be a strong advocate for the region.

“I will be a strong advocate and strong voice in the NSW Parliament on your behalf representing this community every day,” she said.

two people pose with premier and candidate Katelin

Labor supporters like Andrew Rees and his mother Mrs Rees swarmed Albion Park pre-polls today for photos with the Premier Chris Minns and candidate Katelin McInerney. (ABC Illawarra: Kelly Fuller)

Meanwhile Serena Copley told her supporters that while she lost this fight she will not be giving up.

“It was a battle, it was a fight, we knew it was going to be tough.” she said.

“We didn’t get the result that we wanted, but that doesn’t mean it’s over. We will continue to fight on into the future.”Woman speakikng in front of people

Serena Copley speaking to her supporters after conceding defeat in the Kiama by-election.  (ABC News: Liam Patrick)

It comes after more than 60,000 people in the south coast seat cast their vote for a new member of parliament.

Ward held the seat from his election in 2011 until his resignation last month after he was found guilty of sexually abusing two young men after a nine-week trial in the NSW District Court.

Blackbutt local Emma Onus said she was glad there would be a new representative for the community. 

“I think most people are glad to see Gareth go, to be honest,” she said.

“We all need representation. We’re a big area and we have a lot of issues and we need those looked at and by someone who has the area’s interest at heart.”Seat hotly contested

The four-week campaign, which brought Premier Chris Minns to the electorate 10 times, has focused on local schools, hospitals and housing. 

Opposition leader Mark Speakman repeatedly appeared at local sporting fields, business meetings and infrastructure projects to endorse Liberal candidate Serena Copley.

Andrew Rees said he travelled to Mount Terry Public School at Albion Park with his mother to vote and was happy to throw his support behind Katelin McInerney.

“They do a lot of good for the country,” Mr Rees said. 

“I think they have the right direction. I think the country’s in a better direction because of Labor governments.”

several people pose with candidate Kate at pre poll on

Independent Kate Dezarnaulds gathers with representatives from across the political spectrum at pre poll Albion Park. (ABC Illawarra: Sarah Moss)

Independents are circling in a crowded field of 13, but only Climate 200-backed Community Independent candidate Kate Dezarnaulds lives in the area. 

Emma Onus says she voted for Ms Dezarnaulds because she is keen for a fresh start.

“Kate doesn’t have party restrictions against her so she can get out there and say what she wants and do what she wants and that’s exciting,” she said.

woman smiles

Emma Onus said she was keen for a community Independent to take the seat to shake things up for the electorate.  (ABC Illawarra: Romy Gilbert)

Jane Ambristo said she voted “Liberal, of course” but recognised the party’s candidate Serena Copley had reputational damage to overcome in the wake of Ward’s trial. 

“We wouldn’t be here if Gareth had’ve done the right thing in the beginning,” she said.