While the election is yet to be officially called, at the time of the announcement Ms Anderson had received 48.81 percent of formal votes in the Mayoral race.

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Ms Anderson was first elected to Council in 2021 as an East Ward Councillor, and has served as Deputy Mayor since 12 September 2023.

She said she was “humbled by the support” of voters.

“I have spent the past three years working hard to pull Council out of a very poor financial situation, deliver record funding for our local roads, locked in plans for more houses, build better relationships with our community, improve transparency, increase services, and to make sure people know that they can trust me to listen to them, care about their issues, and to deliver for them.

“These priorities have now been endorsed by the community and will be the Council’s focus going forward.”

Ms Anderson has committed to performing the role of Mayor full time.

“As our first full-time Mayor, locals will see me at events, community meetings, inspecting Council works, meeting with local people, and always ensuring our Council is working for the people of Port Stephens.”

After a turbulent and at times hostile election campaign, Ms Anderson took the opportunity on Monday to call for unity.

“I am hopeful that with the election now over, other candidates and interest groups will get behind the work of our newly elected Council.

“As a community we need to work together to deliver for Port Stephens and I am excited to be leading this work as Mayor.”

A day prior to Ms Anderson’s announcement, Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington was backing the Labor candidate to secure the win after a promising start in the polls.

“It’s looking very likely that we’ll soon have a Mayor who’ll treat everyone with respect, who’ll turn up and always work hard for the people of Port Stephens,” she posted to social media.

“Someone focused on getting stuff done, not on nastiness, negativity and division.

“Someone who’ll make decisions in the best interests of our community, not for herself.

“She’s given her all since she was first elected to Port Stephens Council and will always do so.”

As of Monday, Independent candidates Mark Watson and Paul Le Mottee were trailing with 25.17 percent and 26.02 percent of formal votes respectively.

The rest of the new-look Port Stephens Council will continue taking shape this week as the ballot count resumes.

The count cannot be concluded until all postal votes have been returned to the Electoral Commissioner.

A full list of council results will be included in NOTA when votes have been finalised.