At the start of the meeting, all Councillors will take an oath of office or make an affirmation of office as part of changes to the Local Government Act. 

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor will then be elected by councillors.

Another change to the Local Government Act is that the Mayor is now elected for a two-year term. 

Returning Officer for Forbes Shire Council Geoff Lark formally declared the Councillors elected on Monday, September 19 after the final count was announced on Friday afternoon.

Councillors for the 2016-2020 term are: 

Phyllis Miller, Grant Clifton, Steven Karaitiana, Susan Chau, Graeme Miller, Jenny Webb, Michele Herbert, Chris Rylance, Jeff Nicholson.

The Forbes Shire Council election saw 17 candidates contend the nine available seats. 

General Manager Danny Green said it was pleasing to see such a quality field of candidates run for Council.

“All candidates are to be congratulated on putting their hand up to run for Council,” Danny said. 

“I would also like formally thank 2012-2016 councillors Brian Mattiske, Dennis Booth and Michael ‘Duke’ Jelbart, who stood for re-election but were not elected for this term, for their contribution over the past four years.”

Danny said he was looking forward to working with the newly elected Council, who bring with them a range of knowledge and experience.

“One of the first items on the agenda for the Council will be to discuss the engagement strategy for the review of the Community Strategic Plan.

“This review will take place over the next six months and will look forward to the next 10 years to capture what the community views at its top priorities for the future of Forbes.”