Early tallies show that Upper Hunter better get ready for fresh faces, as six new candidates threw their hat in the ring.
So far only election day booths had been counted with pre-poll and postal votes yet to be tallied, making up close to 6000 remaining votes.
While it is early days for the prospective nine councillors, incumbent mayor Maurice Collison gained 13.2 per cent of first preference votes while first-time candidates Troy Stolz and Peter McGill were at 12.6 per cent and 12.2 per cent, respectively.
Before voting resumes on Monday September 16, current deputy mayor James Burns was trailing behind with 6.52 per cent of first preference votes.
There are no mayoral votes in the town, with elected councillors choosing the next mayor.
Troy Stolz, a gambling reform advocate, had previously contested Premier Chris Minn's seat in Kogarah in 2023.
He said was excited about the results so far but was waiting to see the pre-poll and postal votes roll in.
"There are a couple of us that are new and have gone in and we've been quite vocal that we want change," he said.
"The community sentiment is that they want change as well."
If he becomes a councillor, Mr Stolz said he would want council to be more transparent with the ratepayers and have better communication.
"It is all smoke and mirrors around what our actual debt is," he said.
The Upper Hunter Shire is in a dire financial situation with council expected to operate with a deficit until 2032 while managing a $29.5 million debt.
"I think we are seeing a message to the voters that independents are on the rise," Mr Stolz said.
Former councillor Lee Watts said while it was too early to call, there would definitely be new people on the council.
Being on the council for 19 years, Ms Watts said it was a privilege to get the opportunity to support your community.
"I think to be able to improve the lives of the people that live here and have some vision for the future, and for your children and grandchildren is a great thing to experience," she said.
"One of the biggest things is to stay open and communicate, so you know how people feel and you know their needs."
