Successful young independent candidate Nicky Lavender said she was 'beyond excited' that there was a majority female representation within the elected councillors.

"I feel that it reflects the strength in leadership that our community has on a wider level, but to date has not been present at council," she said.

"It is going to be a great group of community leaders with a wide cross-section of skills and experience. I can not wait to get started."

Read also:

Across the local government area, 12,871 residential and non-residential electors were enrolled to vote on October 25. Of those, 10,592 turned out to vote - 82.29 per cent - and of those who did, 6.66 per cent voted informally and were not counted.

Six candidates were grouped into three above the live teams led by Di Baker (Group A), Paul Harmon (Group B) and Paul King ( Group C). The remaining five candidates stood as independents.

Both Di Baker (22.95 per cent of formal votes) and Paul Harmon (24.14 per cent) were the first to be elected, closely followed by Mr Harmon's running mate Kate Dight ( 8.94 per cent) and Group C lead Paul King (8.08 per cent).

Di Baker's Group A running mate Jo Williams (6.86 per cent) was next, then Paul King's Group C member Wendy Wilks ( 4.70 per cent).

Ms Williams said she was 'very pleased' with the election result and thanked everyone for their support and encouragement.

"As a new councillor, I understand that there will be a lot to learn, and I'm very grateful to have been given this opportunity," she said.

"I'm really looking forward to working with my fellow councillors and am confident that working together; we can achieve some great outcomes for our community."

Ms Wilks also said she had a lot to learn and was 'happy' and 'humbled' to be given the opportunity to serve the community with 'such a great team of councillors'.

" I am ready to start working.," she said.

First timer Nicky Lavender ( 6.73 per cent) was next on the ladder, followed by John 'Jacko' Ross (4.86 per cent) and Stewart Berryman (5.99 per cent).

Nicky Lavender told the Times she was excited about her result.

"I am really happy with my numbers, given this is my first time running and not within a group," Ms Lavender said.

"My first preference votes were strong and reflective, I think, of the hard work I have already done within the Inverell community.

"I feel that the results were close to what I thought they would be; however, I am disappointed that Jacki Watts has missed out.

"She is someone who works so hard and is extremely passionate about representing those that sometimes don't have a strong enough voice of their own. She will be missed on the council."

There's now a 24-hour wait to see if there are any requests for a recount. If no requests are received, the results will be made official.

Inverell Shire Council general manager Paul Henry will continue to be the authority to carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the council and mayoral office until the mayoral election on Wednesday, January 12.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: