The former Gundagai mayor was officially unveiled as mayor at 4pm Thursday, September 21, at a special CGRC meeting held in Gundagai's Sheridan Street council chambers.

McAlister was coy about his candidacy in the lead-up to the mayoral election but emerged victorious after garnering a vast popular vote advantage in the council polling.

In his acceptance speech, McAlister sought to repair cross-town relations and represent the entire community.

“I wouldn’t have run for councillor unless I thought I was capable of representing both Gundagai and Cootamundra,” he said.

Phillips openly expressed his desire to fill the top position earlier this week.

He fell short of both attaining mayoral or deputy duties after being surprised by Dennis Palmer for the deputy role.

The announcement signalled the end of an era for outgoing CGRC administrator Stephen Sykes but the local government manager will leave confident in the region's future.

"I wanted to deliver an organisation as best as it can be delivered and I think we've achieved that," Mr Sykes said.

"Bringing in Allen Dwyer has allowed some of that experience to work towards the organisational change."

Mr Sykes deflected criticisms of his decision to extend Mr Dwyer's contract but said council would make their own mind up.

"If the council has a different view when they come in, that's for them to decide," he said.

Mr Sykes shot down any suggestions of tension between the cross-town heavyweights to be sworn in as mayor and deputy.

"They'll work it out," Mr Sykes said.

"They'll have to work it out."

More to come.