Former councillor Narelle Davis has recently accepted the Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS)'s general manager of the Eastern Cluster position, which is based in Orange and Bathurst.

Mrs Davis, who will move to Orange to run the Oberon and Blayney multipurpose services at the end on the month, resigned from her elected position at council's May meeting, which was held in Nimmitabel last night.

Mrs Davis encouraged young people and women to stand for the next local government elections, saying it was time for fresh blood and new ideas.

"I've been on council for eight and half years and I've really enjoyed learning about how government organisations work and creating a small amount of change in the community, especially in regard to community service," Mrs Davis said.

"It's not good for councillors to be on council long term and there's always a need for fresh thinking, which is why I'd like to see more young people inspired to represent their community.

"I'd also like to see three or four women on council as they represent 51 per cent of the population," she said.

Council will continue to operate with eight councillors until the local government elections on September 13, 2008.

"I've written to the minister asking for approval not to undertake a by-election," council general manager John Vucic said.

"So it will be business as usual with eight councillors serving the shire until September.

"Narelle has been an extremely formidable councillor with great foresight and has inspired and challenged me as the general manager, and she has had the interest of community at heart at all times," he said.