BELLINGEN, NSW – The Bellingen Shire Council has a new representative, with Linda Coomber formally joining its ranks this week after being elected through a countback process to fill a recent vacancy.
Bellingen Shire Council welcomes Linda Coomber as its newest Councillor, following the completion of a countback election administered by the NSW Electoral Commission.
The appointment fills the vacancy created by the recent resignation of former Councillor Ellie Tree, who stepped down from her official duties due topersonal reasons in May 2025. In line with the Local Government Act, Council notified the NSW Electoral Commission of the vacancy and requested a countback election be held using the results of the 2024 Bellingen Shire Council election.
That process concluded this week, with the official declaration of Ms Coomber as elected by the NSW Electoral Commission.
In accordance with legislative requirements, Cr. Coomber will take the official Affirmation of Office prior to the commencement of the Council Meeting on Wednesday 18 June 2025.
Mayor Cr. Steve Allan congratulated Cr. Coomber on her appointment and said Council looks forward to working collaboratively to support the community and continue progressing the Shire’s strategic priorities.
“On behalf of Councillors and staff, I welcome Linda to the chamber and thank her for stepping forward to serve the Bellingen Shire community,” Mayor Allan said.
“This is an exciting and important time for our Shire, and we look forward to Linda’s contribution over the remainder of the Council term. I’m confident her considered approach will be a valuable addition to the team and help deliver productive outcomes for our community.”
Further details about the countback process and the declaration of results are available on the NSW Electoral Commission website: elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/local-government-elections/2025-bellingen-shire-council-countback-election