Councillor Lola Cummins, mayor for 17 years, was successfully challenged by councillor Neil Smith.

"I've really enjoyed my term as mayor as I have been able to contribute to the community," Cr Cummins said.

"Thank you to each and everyone one of you for the support you have given me."

Cr Cummins also thanked staff for their dedication to the job.

One of Cr Smith's first acts in the job was to pay tribute to Cr Cummins.

"Lola Cummins' record of public service is truly impressive," he said.

"During her stewardship we have seen Junee transformed into a place of community and a place we are all very very proud to call home.

"Lola's knowledge of local history and her extensive network of local government and state government contacts is an asset not to be ignored or wasted," Cr Smith said.

Cr Smith said he was looking forward to working with councillors in a new role and Cr Cummins would continue to use her vast experience and knowledge.

"It's one of the reasons I wanted Lola to remain as a voting delegate to the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC)," he said.

Cr Smith said Junee council has traditionally been an apolitical group with councillors there for the "right reasons".

"This 'heart on the sleeve', honest and open approach is what I love about smaller country councils.

"It is the essence of local government and what keeps me here and gives me faith in our system."

Cr Smith will remain a delegate to Riverina Regional Tourism and council's tourism working party.

"I would like to keep that hat - I'm very passionate about Junee, tourism and the broader angle of businesses and trade," he said.

Junee councillors also voted for Pam Halliburton to replace Andrew Clinton as deputy mayor.