The Kiama LGA headed to the polls on Saturday, 14 September, to elect nine councillors to the local government. Voters also participated in a referendum on whether the mayor should be directly elected in future elections.

Preliminary results indicate strong support for independent candidates. Group A, led by Cameron McDonald, secured 35.92% of the primary vote, making it highly likely that McDonald, Erica Warren, Melissa Matters, and potentially Mark Burns will earn seats on the council - a notable achievement.

Labor, led by Imogen Draisma, received the second-highest share of the vote at 16.08%, followed by the Greens, headed by Melinda Lawton, at 15.55%. While both Draisma and Lawton are expected to become councillors, it's uncertain whether their respective second candidates will join them.

It may be a toss-up between a fourth member of Cameron McDonald's team, or a second from Labor or the Greens - it is too close to call at this stage.

Independent Yasmin Tatrai of Group G garnered 10.55% of the vote, ensuring her a seat on the council.

Despite polling under 10%, independent candidates Matt Brown (Group C) and Mike Cains (Group F) are still in contention for council seats, with postal votes and preferences yet to be fully counted.

Conversely, it appears unlikely that Alan Smith or Mark Croxford will secure a position on the council, having fallen short in primary votes.

At this early stage, with only 2,163 votes counted, the outcome of the referendum, seems to be heading towards "No" with a 55.76% lead, against 44.24% for Yes. It is too soon for a definitive call however.

Once the NSW Electoral Commission finalises the vote tally, The Bugle will deliver the official results.