Mayor Noakes was born and educated in Walcha and has lived all his life in Ward B on the property Yarrawarrah’.

He said he was pleased to be elected and looked forward to working with the vibrant new council although having a public profile would take some time to get used to.

“Seeing my name in the paper when I ran for council was a bit confronting but I am sure I will get used it,” he said.

“ I believe that a councils’ main objective is to provide lifestyle services to the area, these include serviceable roads, streets, recreation and community facilities.”

Being fiscally responsible is important for a council Mr Noakes says, but it must also  retain a social conscience.

“These are the things that retain a population and attract new residents, as our area has much to offer,” he said. “The pressure for councils’ to remain both financially viable and be able to meet residents needs will continue to become more and more challenging and I feel I have the attributes to be able to help Walcha Council and councillors to head in the right direction.”

Outgoing Mayor Janelle Archdale said she congratulated all those who stood for council and  wished the successful candidates the very best for the coming four years.

“I envy the new council’s position as it has a sound platform to get on with the job without the cloud of uncertainty at every turn,” she said. “This is a strong, diverse and committed group of people and I am so pleased that the future of Walcha Council is in safe hands.”

Mrs Archdale said the last 16 years on council, and in particular the last four years as mayor, had been an amazing experience and one that had confirmed her deep founded respect for the community and all that it has achieved. 

“It is the formation and nourishing of partnerships that attain the greatest results and here, in Walcha, we do that very well. The community’s loyalty and dogged support of the amalgamation debacle still fills me with immense pride because I know that without it, and the tenacious support of our local members, we would not be welcoming a new council to the chambers this week.”

While she is looking forward to getting back on the golf course and spending more time with her family and in her business Paper Dolls, Mrs Archdale said she will miss much of what being  Councillor offers.

“I am truly humbled by the support the community has given me over the last four years and cannot say how much I appreciate the kind words and good wishes.”