Surrounded by her devoted army of supporters at Raymond Terrace's Lakeside Tavern on Saturday night, Ms Washington described the victory as "very sweet" after her crushing defeat four years earlier.

"Firstly, I want to thank my family and large band of supporters ... this was truly a magnificent team effort with many contributors right up to and including polling day," Ms Washington said.

"I feel both privileged and grateful that voters have put their trust in me. I certainly won't be letting them down when I take my seat in Parliament."

Ms Washington, who went into Saturday's election requiring a 14.7 per cent swing, said the damning ICAC revelations which saw incumbent Liberal MP Craig Baumann resign last December, had played a significant role in her victory. "The constituents were telling me even before the ICAC revelations that there had been a lack of respect for the community . .. ICAC just reaffirmed that.

"Also of major concern to the electorate was the privatisation of public assets."

READ: Liberal candidate concedes seat of Port Stephens

Built on the slogan of "someone you can trust" and a belief that the seat could be won, Ms Washington said she was able to build a strong connection with the community through months of doorknocking and engagement.

She had made a point of attending every forum or public meeting and was prepared to make a stand by publicly opposing the Bobs Farm and Williamtown sand mines, and the housing development at Anna Bay.

"This is very important for the role I am going into ... to fight for the people while in opposition."

While disappointed that Labor could not wrestle control from the Coalition at a state level, Ms Washington said she would continue to fight for better services while holding the government accountable.

"I will continue to fight for a high school in Medowie."