With about two-thirds of the vote counted on Saturday night, Jacinta Allan had increased her margin in Bendigo East to 13 per cent from 5 per cent.

In Bendigo West, Maree Edwards’ margin was above 20 per cent, up from 12 per cent.

Ms Edwards said there was a “contrast” between Labor and the Coalition which was reflected by the statewide result, in which Labor are expected to better their 2002 victory of 62 seats.

“We said we wouldn’t let division and fear drive our campaign, that we would have a positive campaign about the future, that was about jobs, that was about health, education, and all the things that we know our communities want and need,” she said.

“It’s looking around the 20 per cent margin, I don’t think the Libs will ever come back from this.

Related: Liberal candidate says lack of party promises hurt campaign in Bendigo

“Bendigo East and Bendigo West will be red for a very, very, very long time.”

The Liberal Party last won a seat in Bendigo in 1996 before Bob Cameron won Bendigo West. Bruce Reid also held the federal seat of Bendigo for the Liberals until 1998.

A federal election is expected in July next year.

Ms Allan voted at the Flora Hill booth on Keck Street on Saturday, where her family – including her father and grandfather – have volunteered on election day for 60 years.

VIDEO: Labor claims victory in Bendigo East and Bendigo West

She said she was pleased with the response from voters.

“There was a bit at stake in this election,” Ms Allan said.

“It was a really important moment in our history here in Bendigo because we were putting forward a strong agenda - schools, the hospital funding, train stations.

“It was critical that Bendigo sent a message about what they expected from their members of parliament, that they expect to be on the map.”

During the election campaign, Labor promised $152 million to rebuild the Bendigo Law courts, $60 million for a day rehabilitation centre at Bendigo Health and $2 million for Harry Trott Reserve.

They also promised almost $50 million to open railway stations at Huntly, Goornong and Raywood, to plan to reopen Harcourt, and to investigate improvements to the line between Kyneton and Bendigo.

The Greens improved their primary vote in both Bendigo seats including an almost 3 per cent rise in their primary vote in Bendigo West under their candidate, former mayor Laurie Whelan.

Their vote in the seat increased to 14.5 per cent from 11.75 per cent, with two-thirds counted.

In Bendigo East, candidate Nakita Thomson was on 8.4 per cent, up from 7.3 per cent.

Ms Thomson said they were “satisfied” with the outcome, and were hopeful upper house candidate Nicole Rowan would claim the party’s first seat in regional Victoria.

She said the overall outcome was a reflection of the campaigns of the major parties.

“I think that shows people don’t like the racist rhetoric from the Liberal Party and they rejected their tough on crime image,” Ms Thomson said.

“People saw through their cheap dog-whistling.”

The Greens suffered setbacks during their campaign due to revelations of sexist and inappropriate past social media comments from candidates.