There were three nominations for the role, with Cr Phyllis Miller receiving a majority of six votes from nine councillors. 

Speaking before voting, Mayor Miller said she was excited about the next two years, with opportunities opening up particularly with the Inland Rail and the transport hub at Parkes. 

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” she said.

While acknowledging economic development as a priority, she said it was also crucial to make residential land available to house people who would move here for work. 

“My understanding is that there are not many blocks, and hardly anywhere to rent,” she said.

There were three candidates for mayor: Graeme Miller who has held the position for the past two years and Cr Steve Karaitiana. 

A member of the public was asked to draw the candidates’ names out of a hat for ballot paper order, with Cr Phyllis Miller drawing the number 1 position, Cr Karatiana second and Cr Graeme Miller third. 

Before councillors voted via a preferential ballot paper, Cr Susan Chau asked each of the candidates to outline their focus for the next two years and their top three priorities. 

Mayor Miller listed economic development as well as residential development. She said the two needed to go hand in hand.

She also prioritised asset maintenance and delivery of services. 

“We need to make sure we are delivering the services the community wants,” Mayor Miller said.

Mayor Miller has served as Forbes Mayor from 2008 and 2015. 

She thanked community members and her fellow councillors for electing her. 

Mayor Miller is also on the NSW Local Government Association executive and the executive of the Australian Local Government Association.

Following the voting for mayor, Deputy Mayor Jenny Webb was returned uncontested to the role she has held for the past year.