Councils around the region took the opportunity to participate in the local government elections on the 10th of September. The Yass Valley Council saw a turnout of 80.11%, with five former councils returned to their roles. Rowena Abbey, Geoff Frost and Jasmin Jones were reelected with primary votes, while Michael McManus and Cecil Burgess were returned after preference distribution. Primary votes also saw the election of first-time Councillor Alison Harker, while Mike Reid, Nathan Furry and Kim Turner benefited from preference distribution, and will also serve as new councillors. The Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s 83.5% turnout saw the the reelection of five prior representatives, with Brian McCormack, John Searl, James Wheelwright, Darren O’Brien and Paul Culhane set to serve another four years. The remainder of the nine member team will be comprised of newcomers Pam Kensit, Ron Cumins, Richard Opie and John Stafford. Temora Shire Council saw the return of six former councillors, with a turnout of 85%. Rick Firman, Graham Sinclair, Nigel Judd, Max Oliver, Kenneth Smith and Dennis Sleigh will return to council chambers one again, while Lindy Reinhold, Clair McLaren and Dale Wiencke will offer new perspectives.