What was expected to be a tussle between Cr McWilliams and Tea Gardens councillor Len Roberts, proved a non-event.

Cr John Weate was later announced deputy mayor during the extraordinary council meeting, after an open ballot which also saw Cr John Stephens step forward for the role.

Standing for the mayoral position unopposed, Cr McWilliams was overcome by the result.

"This is a great honour."

"I wish to thank the people of the Great Lakes who voted me in with such a large majority, and also my fellow councillors today for having the confidence in me to lead them."

Despite expectations that he would contest the top job, Cr Len Roberts said that was never his intention.

"I didn't contest because Cr McWilliams received the highest vote (to be able to win the mayor's position).

"We've always been friends and have maintained that if one of us received the majority the other would not contest it."

The appointment of Cr McWilliams comes three years after outgoing mayor John Chadban was challenged to resign by Cr John Stephens, two months out from the 2005 mayoral election.

After Cr Chadban refused, Cr Stephens and five colleges successfully motioned for an early election.

In a move that sparked statewide controversy, former Local Government Minister Kerry Hickey was forced to step in and reappoint Cr Chadban as mayor, after several failed attempts to stage the vote.

Mr Chadban didn't seek re-election last month, announcing his retirement from local government after a 46-year career, 13 of those as mayor.

With all nine former council members being reinstated to their positions in last month's local government election, Cr McWilliams said she would like to see a united council working together as a team.

"I want the past to be the past.

"I want to make a fresh start with this council and I don't want division," she said.

"We are working for the community and it is our job to co-operate and serve them."

Newly appointed deputy mayor, Cr John Weate agreed with the sentiments of his colleague.

"This is a great result for the community and I look forward to getting on with the job."

Sandra Machin served as the Great Lakes' first female mayor from 1991-94.

The Great Lakes' first shire president was M.Bebet, who served from 1974-1975.

The first ordinary meeting of the newly elected council will be held on October 21, beginning at 9.30am in the council chambers.