Sharon Bird will be sitting in federal Parliament for the sixth consecutive time after she was re-elected the member for Cunningham on Saturday.
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Ms Bird celebrated with friends, family and Australian Labor Party members and supporters at Figtree Bowling Club at her post-election party.
She said Labor's messages about the future including action on climate change, addressing inter-generational disadvantage, investing in education as well as funding for roads and hospitals had resonated with Illawarra voters.
Read more: How election day unfolded in the Illawarra
"We had a long list of commitment for our local area because Labor delivers for the Illawarra," she said to a loud round of applause and cheers.
"It was a great result locally and I have a wonderful community I represent.
"I feel really humble because we have had a swing towards us in the seat and that is a reflection of the broader community expressing a lot of support and appreciation of the work we do."
Ms Bird made her victory speech early in the night at about 8pm.
She garnered 63.38 per cent of the 80 per cent of votes counted on Sunday afternoon. Liberal candidate Chris Atlee secured 36.32 per cent.
Labor also had a swing of 0.36 per cent in Cunningham.
Labor party faithful were cheering, clapping, hugging and resting their weary feet throughout the night.
New supporters met long-serving volunteers and many children were running around including Ms Bird's grandchildren.
Ms Bird thanked the staff in her office for their work as well as all the volunteers.
"My victory is a reflection of my whole team," Ms Bird told the Mercury.
"The people who work with me care passionately about people. They work day in and day out helping people.
"It is a real team effort and I really appreciate what they do.
"My Labor supporters believe in social justice and fairness and all the values we put forward in the election campaign.
"I am grateful they put my t-shirt on and went to a polling booth, put hours in and talked to members of their community."
Ms Bird said she was proud Bill Shorten the ALP team did not run a "scare campaign" during the election.
"We put out a big agenda about what we need to do for the future including action on climate change and dealing with the inter-generational unfairness for young people who have working conditions that are unacceptable, stagnate wages and who can't get into the housing market.
"I could not be prouder of Bill Shorten and the whole frontbench team because wisdom says negative campaigns work but I think the Australian people deserve better than that type of campaign. That's what we gave them.
"I am really proud of the way Bill pulled a team together, used everybody's talents, did good policy work and it has been a united effort over the past six years."
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