The votes are in

Kate Redwood will return to her seat on Birch ward, joined by newcomer Fiona Robson, who is also the new manager of the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre.

Long-serving Holcombe ward councillor Bill McClenaghan lost his seat.

Although in the lead by five votes in the first preference count, he was toppled by challenger, Hepburn Health board director and Swinburne University unit convener John Cottrell.

Mr McClenaghan has been Holcombe’s elected representative since 2005 and was reinstated in the past two elections unopposed.

Incumbent mayor Neil Newitt will return to Cameron ward, with strong first preference support, gaining 48.59 per cent of the first preference vote.

Incumbent Coliban ward councillor Sebastian Klein has also retained his seat on council, with 39.74 per cent of the first preference vote.

Creswick councillors Don Henderson and Greg May have been reinstated unopposed.

Cr Robson said she was looking forward to forging partnerships between council and other service providers in Hepburn Shire.

“I think we can achieve a lot more by working together, with CAFS and Hepburn Health and also other state and federal government organisations,” she said.

She also said she was pleased with the election results.

“It sounds like small changes but significant changes and I think they will be a great four years.

“I think I’m going to work well with all of them.”

Cr Robson acknowledged the other candidates who stood for council.​

“It is such an important and difficult process,” she said.

“Hopefully in the future we’ll have even more people – it gives people the chance to have a say.”

Fellow newcomer John Cottrell was unavailable for comment.