The candidates, in ballot paper order, are Sharon Griffiths (independent), Lisa Intemann (independent), Lauren Edwards (The Greens), Peta Pinson (independent) and Robert Turner (independent).

Returning officer Maureen Morris officiated at the June 28 draw to determine the candidates’ order on the ballot paper.

Three of the five candidates – Lisa Intemann, Peta Pinson and Robert Turner – attended the draw.

Lisa Intemann’s name will appear second on the ballot paper.

Cr Intemann said she was pleased to be on the ballot paper and she trusted the voters to make a good choice.

She said the ballot paper draw was part of the democratic process.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the candidates to get together for the first time in the campaign,” Cr Intemann said about the draw.

“We will be spending a lot of time together on the polling booths.”

Cr Intemann said she was ticking all the boxes for the campaign but her focus was still on doing a good job as the acting mayor.

The fourth position on the ballot paper went to Ms Pinson.

“You always hope to be number one but the [election] result is what the community decides,” she said.

“It doesn’t really matter where you are on the ballot paper as long as the community recognises what you are standing for and they vote for you,” she said.

Ms Pinson said she was getting great support from the community.

“I’m receiving emails and phone calls, people are coming in to my office, and I’m being stopped on the street,” she said.

“Based on what people are telling me, the community is ready to get on with sensible government at a local level and that’s what I offer – common sense leadership.”

The draw placed Cr Turner fifth on the ballot paper.

“I’m not unhappy,” he said.

“It’s a lottery and you get what you get. I don’t think it matters too much.”

Cr Turner said he was humbled by how many people wanted to help and get behind his campaign.

“It’s not just me doing this, it is a community effort,” he said.

“It is a really nice feeling that people want you to be mayor.”

Voters will go to the polls on July 29 to decide the next Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor.

The resignation of then mayor Peter Besseling triggered the by-election.

Pre-poll voting in the by-election opens on July 17.