At the close of counting last night, the incumbent had secured 3783 (72.83 per cent) votes, while the sole challenger, Cr John Ainsworth was on 1411 votes (27.17 per cent).

Cr Ainsworth – a long standing councillor – said he put his name forward to give voters a choice for mayor.

Thousands of folk headed to the polling booths yesterday to anoint the next council.

Candidates and supporters were on the hustings from early in the morning with ‘how to vote’ flyers, while community groups lingered nearby tonging sausages and offering face-painting in their traditional fundraisers.

The blustery gales hampered the atmosphere, but it’s too early to say if this was a sign of winds for change or just a passing blow from a higher tier of ruler, Mother Nature!

It is certain that there will be some change in the make-up of the new council, with Paula Flack and Bob Morrison deciding against seeking a further term.

And there’s a host of new candidates, including the historically significant presence of a party political ticket, for Country Labor.

The votes – including a large number of pre-poll – are being counted tonight by the NSW Electoral Commission, though the final composition of the shire’s new council is unlikely to be known until mid-week.

At close of counting last night:

JENVEY Susan CLP 518 0.93 10.32%

ANDREN Jennifer CLP 80 0.14 1.59%

HOLMES Stuart CLP 106 0.19 2.11%

FINLAYSON Brian 183 0.33 3.64%

BALLANGARRY Martin IND 359 0.64 7.15%

JONES David IND 130 0.23 2.59%

SOUTH Elaine 110 0.2 2.19%

HOBAN Rhonda IND 1,607 2.88 32.01%

BURGESS Patrick 52 0.09 1.04%

WILSON John IND 121 0.22 2.41%

SMYTH Anne IND 231 0.41 4.60%

HALL David IND 409 0.73 8.15%

AINSWORTH John 480 0.86 9.56%

VERCOE Todd IND 291 0.52 5.80%

REED Janine 344 0.62 6.85%