A veteran mayor has been re-elected in the Lachlan Shire on 16 October.

 "It's a great honour. No question about it," said Cr John Medcalf who will step into the position after time as deputy mayor.

The stalwart has served as mayor for the Lachlan Shire for eight years before becoming a deputy mayor in September 2023. 

One of Cr Medcalf's biggest priorities is making sure the people in his community feel heard. 

"We've got to reassure people that we have listened to them and we will try to prioritise their issues," Cr Medcalf said. 

The freshly elected mayor lives on a farm with his wife Jane in Tottenham. He has been in council since 1991, despite vowing in his youth to never go into politics after watching his father and grandfather work in local government.

"I swore to God I'd never have anything to do with local government but I love the interaction with people, trying to achieve things for your community and the Shire, and being a representative," Cr Medcalf said. 

He's looking forward to making sure that the community has access to quality basic services, including finishing the waste depot after a few delays over the past two years. 

Cr Medcalf said he is optimistic about the future of the new council. 

"I think one of the big things with our council is there's a diversity of gender. 

"We're one short at the moment but we could have five women and five men or four men and six women."

Cr Medcalf is especially excited to work with first-time Deputy Mayor Megan Mortimer. 

"I look forward to working with her Megan. She is part of our younger brigade," Cr Medcalf said. 

Megan Mortimer. Photo: Lachlan Shire Council

"I'm very excited. I think we've got a great group of councillors," Cr Mortimer said. 

She has been a councillor for the A Ward since 2021 and before that, was part of the staff.  

Cr Mortimer said her focus will be on attracting more people to the Lachlan Shire by promoting the area. 

"I think we've got a wonderful tourism centre now and there are so many great places around the Shire to visit. 

It's just about getting the word out there for people to step off the main roads and come to our shire."

Mrs Mortimer said she is keen to start her work as a deputy with all the joys and challenges that may present themselves. 

"I am excited about becoming deputy mayor and strengthening the communication between residents and council and learning along the way."