Sarah Mayo was “incredibly overwhelmed” when The Leader spoke to her straight after the announcement.

“I had a few people watching it with me and everyone was very excited – a few hugs went around,” she said, laughing.

“I woke up this morning very nervous and before the live stream I was very anxious.

“I’m so overwhelmed, excited and thankful it was a yes. I’m happy to go forth and see what comes of it.”

In the New England electorate, the yes vote got up by 52.5 per cent.

“I think for our area I was hoping it would be a bit higher, but it;s also a positive above the 50 mark,” Ms Mayo said.

“It means we are speaking up and coming forth.”

A bill still has to pass through parliament before the law is changed. There are fears from some that the government will renege on its promise to pass the law, as conservative MPs try to disrupt the bill

“I think they would be really, really stupid for them to do that,” Ms Mayo said.

“The public has voted in support of it, so to back away would be a huge mistake.

“I do worry what discrimination is put forward [in bill amendments]. We need our equal at end of day and this fights about.”

Tamworth country music singer Allison Forbes said there “may have been a few tears shed” as she watched the announcement live at Cafe 2340.

“We’ll definitely be celebrating with a few too many beverages tonight,” she said.

“I am really happy that so many people have had their say and I’m impressed by the number of people who voted.”

It’s been a “challenging” eight weeks, which was made easier by Ms Forbes’ support network.

“It certainly brought out comments and opinions we didn't realise we were surrounded by,” she said.

“But we’re looking on the positive side and hoping attitudes and acceptances might become more common now.”