A Christmas Eve council meeting in the Bogan Shire saw the incoming mayoral positions voted in, where Councillor Glen Neill was elected as Mayor. 

With a thirteen year history behind him on council, the position isn’t completely new territory for Mr Neill, having served as Deputy Mayor for the past five years.

Mayor Neill said that in the coming term, there’s plenty of work to be done in the shire, with housing being a main goal to attract families to the shire. 

“Like a lot of country towns these days we just don’t have enough people to go around to do the work that’s required here by the mining sector and agriculture, there’s just an acute shortage of people,” Mayor Neill said.

The Bogan shire is working towards improving their population after receiving a grant that will allow them to subdivide and develop around 40 more houses, beginning in July this year. 

“If we can attract 40 new families I’ll be over the moon, but you’ve got to take little steps,” he said. 

“Once we put a bit of effort into advertising this place, it’s a great little community, a good safe place to bring up kids, and you can still buy a block of dirt here at a reasonable price,” Mayor Neill said. 

Mayor Neill will replace former Mayor Ray Donald, who held his position as mayor for over 25 years.

“I certainly have the utmost respect for what he did…I’ve got him locked in on speed dial and I know if I ever need any advice, he’ll be there,” Mayor Neill said. 

“Thirty years in local government is an enormous effort, and 26 of those as mayor is even more special,” he said. 

With experience as deputy mayor under his belt, Mr Neill said he is both excited and honoured to take up the role as mayor for the approaching term. 

“When I first got on the council, I had no ambition to be mayor, I just wanted to be part of the representation of this community. In the last six or seven years I’ve realised just what it means to be in that position and how important that is,” Mayor Neill said. 

“It’s a big honour to do it, I’ll certainly be trying my hardest. Whether I can live up to Ray or not, time will tell,” he said. 

Mr Neill said that the fact that there was an election in Nyngan, unlike some other shires in the Western Plains, was a strong indicator of the town's standing. 

“I think we;re in a good position…it’s fantastic that a small community like this has done that,” he said. 

Any one of the councillors that one of the nomination ballots I believe would’ve been great for the community I believe. We’re very lucky for the standard of people who put their hand up,” Mayor Neill said. 

The recent election saw three new councillors join the existing council, with two previous councillors leaving and one failing to be re-elected. 

Mayor Neill will be flanked by incoming Deputy Mayor Victoria Boag, who has one prior term behind her, beginning her councillor career in 2016.