Ballot papers were being piled high at the former Clancy Motors site on Howick Street as volunteers started to tally the results.

On the night, returning officer Stuart Evernnett said counting was running smoothly after a day of cooperative voting from residents. 

“Polling place managers are proceeding with their counts for Bathurst, Blayney and Oberon and phoning in their results when they’re finalised,” he said. 

Mr Evernnett said candidates would get an indication of how they were going over the weekend, but a final result wasn’t expected to be available for another week. 

While the votes were being counted, some candidates retreated to the city’s restaurants to celebrate the end of a long, hard campaign. 

Bobby Bourke and his team were at Paddy’s Hotel, enjoying a quiet drink as they waited for updates on the count. 

He was in the lead two hours into the count after receiving a strong response from voters in the villages. 

Mr Bourke said it had been the hardest campaign he had been part of, but he was very thankful for the support he was receiving. 

“Thanks to everyone who voted, and the other candidates. It was a tough few weeks at pre-poll,” he said.

“I’m glad to have a rest now.” 

Jess Jennings and his team were at The George Hotel on election night, feeling positive after all their campaign efforts and the feedback received at the booths. 

Mr Jennings said he was “mildly confident” he would get elected after seeing the early figures, but was uncertain whether his number two, Steve Semmens, would get on. 

He also thanked the voters for their support. 

Warren Aubin enjoyed a quiet meal at The George. 

He said he didn’t have many village votes, but felt people in town would give him the support he needed for re-election.

“You don’t really know what will happen until the votes are in,” he said. 

Independent candidate Nick Packham spent his evening at Jack Duggins with his family. 

He was unsure whether he would make it onto council, but said he was thankful for all the support he had received from voters so far.