Among the nine councillors are newcomers Juliana McArthur, Kate McGrath and Robert Hoddle.

The trio join familiar faces Jamie Chaffey, Colleen Fuller, Murray O'Keefe, David Moses, Ann Luke and Rob Hooke in the chambers.

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When the NVI spoke to Cr McGrath on Tuesday, she said she had "toyed with the idea of opening a bottle of bubbly" when she was elected, but "it's a bit early in the day".

The mother of three said she had already received calls from fellow councillors congratulating her and telling her what comes next. Cr McGrath isn't new to policy and procedure, however, after working for the council previously and chairing various working groups.

"I've always been interested in politics. Everyone is aware that a federal election is like my grand final and I get way too invested and then disappointed, and then cry," she said.

Cr McGrath is keen to see an improvement in community engagement and wants "community priorities to be reflected in council priorities".

"The thing I'm most nervous about is knowing it's impossible to please everyone and having to make some of the hard choices at times. Hopefully, there won't be many too early," she said.

"I want to make sure I've found my feet and have enough understanding of everything before making decisions."

Cr Chaffey and Cr Fuller snagged the most votes and are pleased to be back on council for another round.

Cr Fuller said she was "a bit worried" that she might not be elected because of her age, so she was "ecstatic" when she found out she was successful.

"I enjoy what I'm doing in the community and council. If I didn't enjoy it, I wouldn't have stood," she said.

"And I'm passionate about making sure we work with local women in government as well. We've done a lot over 17 years, but I want more done."

Cr Fuller said the previous council had seen many projects through, and she'd like to see more finished.

"I'd like to see us complete the projects we've got that are on the drawing board, but that will depend on the new council," she said.

When asked about the newcomers, Cr Fuller said it was "good to have new blood" as long as they have the community at heart.

"I don't care who's there, so long as they work. If they're going to be a councillor, they have to work hard and be committed to the community," she said.

Working alongside Cr Fuller once again will be Cr Chaffey, who was the first to nominate for council.

Cr Chaffey said the elected members possessed "a diverse set of skill sets, knowledge and experience".

He said there would be unknown challenges ahead, but "we already know the path we're on".

"Now it's just about getting down to business and delivering what we said we would," he said.

"I think it's an exciting time for Gunnedah. There is, despite the hardship that's been thrown on us, ... quite a strong level of confidence within the community, and I hope my fellow councillors are encouraged by that ... and that it gives them strength and confidence in decision-making over the next term of council."

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