They say in a letter to The Examiner that he has “demonstrated his ability, experience and vision in providing leadership for the community”.

They add that they think he has good relationships with councillors in surrounding areas and with the federal and state members of parliament, something they say is “critical in gaining funding”.

The letter is signed by Russel Meehan, Julie Clement and Pat Lonergan (president, events manager and general manager of the Services Club), John McCluskey (Rest Point), Nathan Purvis and Shad Bailey (Colin Say & Co), Steve Hicks (Hicks Mitre), Diana Corcoran (real estate), Robyn Willis (real estate), Col and Ruth Lute, Robert Schroder, Don Davis (Home Hardware), Kerrie Sturtridge (hairdressing salon), Wayne and Fiona James (Jamsies Fuel and Fix) and Bill Munro (Timbs Pharmacy).

Mayor Toms and Deputy Mayor Carol Sparks go head to head for the mayorship at the council meeting on Thursday next week. The choice will be made by the seven councillors.

At the moment, Cr Sparks seems to have the numbers to take over.

Both are controversial figures. They each have their fans and detractors in a divided town, sometimes poisonously divided on social media.

Mayor Toms has been criticised for not consulting other councillors. Earlier in the month, Cr Glenn Frendon, said: “I think it’s time for a change. You can’t have one person having all the say.”

Deputy Mayor Sparks, on the other hand, has been accused of not having a grasp of finance. 

Cr Colin Price said earlier that people he talked to were “horrified and terrified” about the prospect of Carol Sparks becoming mayor.

“There’s a gulf in the difference of capacity between the two candidates in terms of understanding and dealing with complex issues”, he said.

“Cr Sparks struggles with the concept of working within a budget”.

Carol Sparks said she wouldn’t comment.