Cr Smith, who has been on the council since 2004, will be retiring from local government.

”Several years ago, I made a promise to my wife and family that as I approached my 65th birthday, I would begin to reduce my organisational commitments.

“That landmark is now close at hand, and I am fulfilling that promise.”

Cr Smith began volunteering and committee work when he was 12 years old, and there has never been a year over the last five decades when he has not held at least one committee or other voluntary role in community, professional, trade union or political spheres.

“While this has been a rewarding experience over the years, it is now time for generational change, and I am encouraged that younger candidates are prepared to meet the challenges of local government and community organisations,” he said.

Organisations he has been involved with include Kurri Apex Club, Hunter Prelude, the Lower Hunter Health Council, Towns with Heart, Masonic Lodge Tomalpin, the Cessnock/Kurri Kurri Local Health Advisory Committee, and the Anglican Parish of Mt Vincent and Weston.

“My retirement from council will free me from some conflicts and allow me to work with other local interests,” Cr Smith said.

“By the end of 2016, my focus will be on voluntary work in the Kurri Kurri community and my ever-increasing flock of grandchildren.”

Cr Smith said he is proud to have been part of a team that delivered significant projects including Baddeley Park and the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre.

Cr Campbell, who was 20 years old when he was first elected to council in September 2012, decided against seeking pre-selection this year.

“Too many people in politics have been politicians their whole working lives, living in that bubble with no broader experience. I don't want to be one of them,” he said.

“I've worked hard as a councillor and have had some good wins for people, like forcing Hydro to back away from their plan to dump toxic waste in Kurri, securing a permanent base for the local SES, proposing the food and wine festival now known as Stomp and our successful bid to host an Asian Cup team, and standing up to Reclaim Australia as they tried to use our town for their hateful agenda.

“I hope that the residents have been satisfied with my work for them. I'm grateful to them for their trust, and to everyone else who has offered me support.

“I'm especially grateful to the local Labor Party members, who gave a 20-year-old the responsibility of representing them. There are still five months until the election and I have plenty of work left to do.”