The first-time councillor emerged as the favourite for the position in the first ordinary council meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 25.

There will be a re-election for the position come September, and another re-election next year, to give three councillors the opportunity of deputy over the term of council.

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Council also unanimously abolished the position of assistant deputy mayor, a change put forward by Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley who said it was unnecessary and not recognised in legislation.

"We're going to resolve the need to have an assistant deputy mayor," Cr Findley said.

"The experience I've had in Shoalhaven City Council in the last 13 years is that it's not necessary to have a secondary reserve, the legislation is actually silent on that.

"What I see in front of me is a whole roomful of assistant deputy mayors who are ready to do the work."

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Cr Patricia White, who held the position of deputy mayor for three years and assistant deputy mayor for two years, supported the change.

"I can tell you as deputy mayor, I have been busy," she said.

"But as assistant deputy mayor, I've been lucky in the last 12 months to actually go to five events, and a lot of them I couldn't go to.

"I agree it should be spread to all councillors. I think it would be a great opportunity for everyone."

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