There have been nine mayors, all of them men, dating back to the Hastings Municipal Council days.

It sends a message to women, women within CEO roles and to young women as well, that these sorts of things are possible and achievable, Mrs Pinson said about being the first woman elected as Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils mayor.

Mrs Pinson said there would be three strong women in elected roles in the council chamber.

My whole focus is in representing the needs of this growing community, and my mind and decision-making will be based on serving those needs, she said.

The mayor-elect said she would lead the council in looking to new and different ways of delivering services.

She spoke about innovation, seeking different opportunities and partnering with the community.

If I can foster a partnership that bridges the gap between the community and council, and if I can be part of bringing that about, then Im well on the way to getting the job done, Mrs Pinson said.

The businesswoman was successful in her second mayoral election campaign.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council general manager Craig Swift-McNair offered his congratulations to the new mayor-elect.

Peta and I spoke early on Thursday morning where I offered my congratulations to Peta on her election success, he said.

We are looking forward to working with Peta as the new mayor and continuing to deliver improved outcomes for our community.

Mrs Pinson is excited about the challenge ahead and says she is under no illusion about the role.

I put my hand up for the hardest job as opposed to the top job, the mayor-elect said.

I feel as though I am capable and I have the skills to be able to bring our council and community together and to lead it forward.

Mrs Pinson feels humbled by the mayoral by-election result.

Im absolutely humbled by the thousands of people that have trusted me with their votes and the people that have asked for change on our council, she said.

I want to assure them that my intention over the next three years is to protect their best interests and make sure our ratepayers get the best value for their money moving forward.

Mrs Pinson said she wanted to make improvements as well as support what the council did well.

Im not critical of the organisation in its entirety, she said.

Ive been critical of some processes of council and I just see room for enormous improvement.

Mrs Pinson said she looked forward to discussing the way forward with the councillors.