Jacksons Hill Ward candidate Natalie Harrison has called for a recount after missing out on a spot on Hume council by just eight votes.
Ms Harrison received 6203 votes after preferences while incumbent councillor Jarrod Bell polled 6211 votes.
Speaking to Star Weekly on Monday morning, Ms Harrison said she requested the recount after seeing the close results.
“I was extremely happy with the result considering it was my first time [running for council], and seeing that it was so close, I thought there would be nothing to lose,” Ms Harrison said.
“Whatever happens, happens … I’ll still be involved with the community organisations now and I’ll be working towards the next elections.”
Ms Harrison said the Victorian Electoral Commission would advise of the outcome of her request in due course.
Mr Bell said he respected Ms Harrison’s decision to request a recount.
“I’d likely do the same if our roles were reversed,” he said.
Incumbent councillor Carly Moore was re-elected in Aitken Ward with a massive 82.86 per cent of first preference votes. Ms Moore will be serving her third term on council.
In a social media post, Ms Moore said she had been told her first preference vote count may have been the highest in the state.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support from our community and am fully committed to working hard to fulfil my promises,” she said.
Kalkallo community advocate Ally Watson was elected in Yubup Ward with 53 per cent of first preference votes.
Another new face on council will be Daniel English, who was elected in Mount Ridley Ward. He will be joined by fellow newcomer John Haddad (Bababi Marning Ward) and Steve Gagen (Woodlands Ward) who won a spot on council ahead of incumbent councillor Joseph Haweil.
In Sunbury, independent Emu Creek Ward candidate Kate Hamley came from second place after the distribution of preferences to win a seat on council over incumbent councillor Jack Medcraft.
Incumbent councillor Trevor Dance was also contesting Emu Creek and was knocked out on first preference votes.
Returning to council will be Jim Overend (Burt-kur-min Ward), Karen Sherry (Merlynston Creek Ward), Sam Misho (Roxburgh Park Ward) and Naim Kurt (Tullamarine Ward) who was elected ahead of former councillor Jodi Jackson.
The first meeting of the new council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 19.
