THE winds of change are set to blow through Walcha Shire, with the 2016 election throwing up a very, new-look council.
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Current tallies have just three incumbent councillors retaining their seats in Kevin Ferrier, Bill Heazlett and Clint Lyon.
Mayor Janelle Archdale and deputy Scott Schmutter have stood down following a tumultuous rally against proposed mergers with Tamworth Regional and Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra and Uralla shires.
Councillors Maria Woods and Robert Thomson also decided to stand aside, while fellow incumbent Lloyd Levingstone is trailing behind in the C Ward count.
Among the potential new faces is Jen Kealey, a vocal resident in Walcha’s anti-amalgamation push, who leads the C Ward count.
Ms Kealey received a ringing endorsement from the Walcha’s chief community advocate George Spring, whom he worked closely with during the Fit for the Future process.
“I was continually impressed with her intellect, political understanding, her energy, passion and her willingness to give of her time to causes that she believes in,” Mr Spring said.
“Most importantly she gives of her time for the right reasons. There is no ego, just a deep social conscience.”
Rachael Wellings and Peter Blomfield lead Ward A, incumbent Clint Lyon and Eric Noakes are Ward B’s leaders, while Scott Kermode is following Jen Kealey in Ward C. Current councillors Kevin Ferrier and Bill Heazlett lead Ward D count.