Council’s general manager Leanne Barnes was looking forward to collaborating with the new councillors.

“I have contacted the newly-elected councillors by phone and am writing to all councillors on behalf of council staff to congratulate them on their election, and I know we will all work closely together to achieve outcomes for the community,” Ms Barnes said after the result of the local government election was announced.

This year’s election saw previous councillors, Tony Allen, Kristy McBain, Sharon Tapscott, Russell Fitzpatrick and Liz Seckold returned to their positions.

Joining them in the shire’s new-look local government are Jo Dodds, Robyn Bain, Mitchell Nadin and Cathy Griff.

Many councillors remained tight-lipped during their induction on Monday when asked who would be putting their hand up for the role of mayor, but Ms Bain and Ms Griff confirmed they would not be running.

The election comes at a time when the state government has pushed for a greater focus on councils forging partnerships with government agencies, other service providers, business and community groups.

While the media has focused on the state government’s controversial council amalgamations, the increase to a two-year mayoral term and other amendments are also part of the Fit for the Future package.

Annual elections were seen to “create unnecessary instability and the risk that councillors will simply ‘take turns’ rather than taking the role seriously”.

The reforms aim to “improve the performance, transparency, governance and accountability of local councils in NSW”, with advancing “community cohesion” becoming a primary part of the amended role of mayor.

Council has invited the public to attend Wednesday’s meeting, which will be the first time councillors are required to take an oath or affirmation of officer prior to taking up their role. 

The meeting is on September 28 at 2pm in the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre.