Nominations for the election open on Monday, July 31 and close at noon on Wednesday, August 9.

Dungog businesswoman Kathryn Abbott sees running for council as another step in community service having been involved in Rotary, Dungog community radio and the James Theatre.

“I want to fight for our community rather than outside interests,” she said.

Former councillors Glenn Wall and Stephen Farrow who resigned following the council decision to reject an offer from Port Stephens Council to merge, have both confirmed they would run again.

Mr Wall said he next term of council would be “interesting”.

“I feel absolutely obligated to be a part of the process given the Council's inaction over the past five years,” he said.

Mr Farrow said the new council would be dealing with a new set of circumstances and he wanted to try his best for the community.

Barrister John Connors who has been openly critical of the decision made by the current council not to accept Port Stephens Council’s offer to merge, will also throw his hat into the ring.

Mr Connors said he believed his experience and training as an advocate and mediator placed him in good stead to work with other councillors to find a way forward for the council.

“And achieve an outcome that offers a continuation of the way of life that causes each of us to live where we do,” he said.

Mayor Nancy Knudsen, and Councillors Linda Bowden and Robert Booth are reserving making a public announcement about their intentions.

“I will declare whether I will be running for Council at the appropriate time,” said Cr Bowden.

“I would also like to encourage residents, who believe that they can represent the community as a whole, to put their hand up and consider running.”

Cr Knudsen said she hopes the community’s “good brains and hearts” pick up the challenge to run.

“If I feel, when I see who is standing, that there is enough caring in the shire for a good outcome, then I shall be proud to be part of that and shall nominate,” she said.

Other names being discussed in the community to run include Gresford businessman Graham Murphy, former Mayor Steve Lowe and Dave Layzell.