The businesswoman won the July 29 mayoral by-election and was officially declared the mayor on August 4.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams congratulated Cr Pinson on her election.

“This is an historical appointment as Peta becomes the first elected female to this position in the Port Macquarie-Hastings area,” Mrs Williams said.

“I am confident Peta will be a strong advocate for our community and I look forward to working with her and the other elected councillors to continue to deliver much-needed infrastructure projects and services for our community.”

Cr Pinson’s first official engagement as mayor was to attend a gathering on August 5 at the end of Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker’s motorcycle ride to raise awareness about organ donor registration.

Mr Hartsuyker said it was great to catch up with Cr Pinson at the ride.

“It’s a big job and a very important job that can make the difference between a city that really goes ahead and one that lags behind,” he said about the mayoral role.

“I wish her well on the appointment and look forward to working with her from a federal perspective to do what I can to ensure we continue the growth and prosperity we’ve seen in the Hastings area in recent times.”

Mr Hartsuyker said coming from business, Cr Pinson would bring a business perspective to council but it would also be a challenge to come into the role as mayor from outside the council.

“I’m sure she will rise to the challenge and do a great job,” he said.

Residents Action Network president Hilton King said RAN looked forward to meeting with the new mayor and developing a good working relationship with her.

Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce president Hadyn Oriti said he congratulated Cr Pinson on her win and looked forward to working constructively with her for the future of Port Macquarie’s economic development.