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The shock resignation of then mayor Peter Besseling in May triggered the mayoral by-election.
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Deputy mayor Cr Lisa Intemann took up the responsibilities and duties of the mayor in the interim.
July 29 was set down as the by-election date.
Cr Rob Turner was the first to confirm he would contest the mayoral position.
Cr Turner indicated he would resign as a councillor in a bid to avoid a second by-election if elected mayor.
He officially resigned but it wasn’t to be effective until May 18.
The resignation was accepted by the general manager and lodged with the Office of Local Government.
The resignation was withdrawn later that week following advice under the Local Government Act he could not stand for a civic role until the first anniversary of the vacation of office, or the next ordinary election for the area, whichever occurred first.
Five mayoral hopefuls – Sharon Griffiths, Lisa Intemann, Lauren Edwards, Peta Pinson and Rob Turner – contested the election.
Meet the candidates forums went ahead at Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton.
Mrs Pinson declined the invitation to attend the Residents Action Network forum, citing a previous unpleasant experience.
Thousands of residents lodged early votes at pre-poll voting centres at Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Laurieton.
July 29 was election day.
Mrs Pinson led her nearest rival Cr Turner by more than 3000 votes at the completion of the first preference vote count.
The results, after the distribution of preferences, showed Mrs Pinson gained 20,823 votes, while Rob Turner had 19,950 votes.
That put Mrs Pinson 873 votes ahead of Cr Turner and secured her the win.
