THE last mayor of Jerilderie Shire wants to become the first leader of the amalgamated Murrumbidgee Council.
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Ruth McRae was elected unopposed in the Jerilderie ward alongside two other former councillors Faith Bryce and Gaila Smith.
Austin Evans, mayor of the previous Murrumbidgee Shire, who was also the administrator of the merged council, was elected unopposed in the ward centred on Coleambally.
The only contested ward, based on Darlington Point, should be decided on Wednesday when final results are expected to be declared.
Mrs McRae said she was keen to be mayor.
“I see it as a challenge and a real opportunity and it (the merger) opens up our area and I have the time,” she said.
“My kids are all independent and I have a very supportive husband who runs his own business.”
Mr Evans, who is seeking National Party preselection for the NSW seat of Murray, is undecided about a mayoral tilt at the council’s first meeting on September 21.