A table for nine has been set and booked for the next four years, with the announcement today of the newly-elected councillors who will lead Moree Plains Shire until 2028.

There were 15 candidates vying for nine seats at the table, with Susannah Pearse, Wayne Tighe, Peter Mailler, Dominique Hodgkinson and Kelly James clear winners.

After the NSW Electoral Commission today sifted through preferences, Brooke Sauer, Fred McGrady, Debbie Williams and Kerry Cassells joined them at the table.

The distribution of preferences was conducted by the applicable Returning Officer using the NSW Electoral Commission’s computer count system after the close of receipt of postal votes on Friday.

Now the race is on to see who will lead the table of nine as mayor.

Susannah Pearse has the grounding after serving last term as deputy mayor under Mark Johnson and Kelly James has had enough experience as a sitting councillor to warrant strong consideration.

Dominique Hodgkinson has also considered the role.

James said she will put up her hand when nominations are called.

“A lot of people have been encouraging me to run for the role of the mayor,” James said

“It’s a role I am more than ready to take on, but that is a decision for the final nine in the room. “Whatever the decision, it will be a well-thought-out decision.”

Pearse, too, will throw her hat in the ring when nine new councillors sit down to decide who will lead Moree Plains Shire Council for the next term.

She said she was deeply moved by the support shown by the people of the Moree Plains Shire.

“I extend a heartfelt thank you to every person who placed their trust in me by putting me at number one,” she said.

“I do not take your votes lightly and am truly honoured to represent you at the council table.

“I would like to also thank everyone that helped with the campaign – my dear friends and family who were so generous with their time and support across the shire.

“All candidates regardless of whether elected or not, deserve thanks for bravely putting their hands up to represent the people of the Plains,” she said.

“Being a councillor is not an easy job — yes, it requires passion, but also a significant investment of time, often at the expense of other pursuits and accompanied by a good heft of public scrutiny.”

James, fresh from helping organise a hugely successful Run the Plains carnival against all odds, thanked her family for their unwavering support, patience, encouragement, and love, and her friends and supporters who “helped spread our message far and wide”.

“I am humbled and honoured to have been elected as one of the nine councillors for Moree Plains Shire,” James said

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every single person who placed their trust in me and voted for me as their No.1. Your support means the world, and I promise to work tirelessly to represent our community’s interests and needs.

“To my fellow residents of Moree Plains Shire, I pledge to be a voice for our shared values and aspirations. From economic growth to infrastructure development, from environmental sustainability to social justice, we will work together to build a brighter future for all.

“I also want to acknowledge my fellow candidates, particularly those who didn’t make the top nine. Your passion and commitment to our community are invaluable. I salute your courage and dedication. To my opponents, I offer my respect and appreciation for the democratic process that brought us together.

“I’m excited to get to work and make a positive impact for our community,” she said.

“Our community faces challenges, but together, we’ll rise to meet them. We’ll work collaboratively, listen attentively, and strive for excellence in governance for the Moree Plains Shire.

“As we move forward, I’m reminded of Nelson Mandela’s wise words: ‘The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall’,” James said.

Newcomer Dominique Hodgkinson has thought about the job more than once as well.

“Personally and professionally, I think it’s never wise to ‘jump the gun’ and assume a position, especially when there are nine people involved in that decision,” Hodgkinson said.

“In a perfect world, I would love to see all nine sit around the table and discuss everyone’s unique skill-sets and what they each bring to the table as to appropriately assign roles, not just as mayor or deputy, but also on committees, etcetera. I understand we may not live in a perfect world, though.

“Ideally, I’d love to see all nine work together. Working together in my opinion is the only way to achieve great things,” she said.