Shire ends 12-year administration with first election

Central Darling Shire residents elected their first council representatives since 2013 on Saturday, officially ending the longest period of council administration in NSW.

Election Results:

A Ward: Peter Sullivan

B Ward: Sacha-Rachelle Sullivan

C Ward: Daniel Fusi (uncontested)

The election establishes NSW's first Rural and Remote Council, with three elected councillors joined by three government appointees to form a six-member council.

Polling was conducted across three locations - Wilcannia, Menindee and Ivanhoe - with residents able to vote anywhere in the shire regardless of ward boundaries.

The council has been under administration since 2013 following financial difficulties. The NSW Government is providing $6 million support over two years for the transition.

Central Darling Shire is Australia's largest council by land area at 53,530 square kilometres but serves under 2,000 residents spread across remote communities.

The hybrid governance model aims to provide local representation while maintaining stability through appointed members with relevant expertise.

Vote counting is complete for election day ballots, with postal votes continuing until 10 October.