ON Friday, Indigo Shire councillor Jenny O'Connor was celebrating her birthday and a smashing election tally that guarantees her a third term.
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The mayor for three of the last four years has amassed 1688 votes enough to fulfil a quota and ensure her a place on council, although counting is still continuing.
In Wodonga, preliminary figures show councillor Kat Bennett is certain to be re-elected, having notched 1036 votes ahead of first-time candidates, policeman Graeme Simpfendorfer (726) and Albury radio announcer Kev Poulton (691).
Cr O'Connor said the success of herself, Cr Bennett and Indigo deputy mayor Sophie Price, who is second in voting on 881 in the shire, was telling.
"What I'm pleased about, as well as the personal vote, is that progressive women are representing in rural communities and that's a fantastic message for people to hear," Cr O'Connor said.
Tangambalanga's Peter Croucher is on track to return to council, having netted 675 votes.
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The two incumbent Wodonga councillors with the lowest votes so far are deputy mayor Brian Mitchell (155) and Danny Lowe (336).
Councillor Ron Mildren (432) says he is resigned to losing despite another 15,000 votes still to be counted.
Former mayor John Watson (507) and councillor Libby Hall (567) are well positioned to be returned, while Olga Quilty, the wife of Victorian MP Tim Quilty, is on 449.
In Wangaratta, recent mayor Dean Rees is atop city ward with 3215 votes ahead of farmer Jack Herry (1275), doctor Julian Fidge (947) and councillors Ken Clarke (672) and Ashlee Fitzpatrick (636).
Former Rural City commissioner Irene Grant is leading in Warby ward on 900 votes and incumbent Harry Bussell is atop south ward on 884.
Past mayor David Wortmann is leading nine hopefuls in Towong shire.
It is expected the results in Towong, Alpine and Benalla councils will be declared next Wednesday, with Indigo, Wangaratta and Wodonga the following day and Moira on Friday.