Jason Hamling and Tony Mileto maintain top billing in Orange's race to be mayor

At 4pm on Monday, 45.6 per cent, or 13,816 of the votes had been counted with Cr Hamling claiming 21.2 per cent of primary vote while Cr Mileto had 18.1. A total of 720 were informal.

Still be counted was prepoll voting from the Scout Hall in Kite Street which could hold the key for Cr Mileto, who campaigned heavily at that poll in the leadup to Saturday's local government election. The ivote is also still to be added.

Cr Kevin Duffy (16.6 per cent) and former councillor Neil Jones (16 per cent) are outside chances.

Cr Hamling, Mileto and Duffy have all been returned to council, along with Jeff Whitton.

Newcomers all but confirmed are independents Melanie McDonell, and Steve Peterson, Greens Dr David Mallard and Shooters Fisher and Farmers candidate and Glenn Floyd.

Despite projections giving Ms McDonell a seat, she was "cautiously optimistic".

"But thrilled. I've loved the whole process," she said.

Dr Mallard said he was excited about the support he'd received.

"I had a lot of great discussions with supporters in the community during the last few weeks campaigning and I'm looking forward to representing and working with community members, especially as council looks at developing the Local Housing Strategy and the new Community Strategic Plan," he said.

Mr Floyd said he felt very humbled and thanked his supporters.

"I looking forward to being part of a progressive, open and honest council," he said adding he congratulated other candidates running in the election.

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