The Daily Liberal contacted the 11 most recent DCC councillors to find out if they would stand at the September 9 election.

Four councillors confirmed they wouldn’t nominate, and another two said they were unlikely to throw their hat in the ring.

Former mayor Mathew Dickerson and councillors John Walkom, Lyn Griffiths and Tina Reynolds all ruled themselves out. Allan Smith and Rod Towney said they were both undecided but leaning towards not running.

Ben Shields, Greg Mohr and Kevin Parker have all confirmed they will nominate while Greg Matthews said he was unsure but was strongly considering standing again.

After the former DCC ceased to exist, Bill Kelly initially ruled himself out but said he had changed his mind and was considering running again. He said he would make a decision in the coming weeks.

Under the new ward system being used for the election, two councillors will be elected from the five wards, Dubbo North, South, Central and East, and Wellington.

As a result, there will be eight positions vacant for Dubbo-based nominees, and based on responses given by former councillors, just five are aiming to be part of the new council.

Those who seeking election will have to nominate which ward they will stand in. Candidates aren’t required to stand in the ward they reside in.

Ms Reynolds and Ms Griffiths both said they had enjoyed their time on council, and hoped more women would come forward to stand for council.

“I would encourage more women to put their hand up. There really needs to be that balance,” Ms Reynolds said.

Ms Griffiths said it was important for council to have new faces and hoped that included female representation.

“It’s hard work and there is a lot of time invested but it is also very rewarding,” Ms Griffiths said.