Labor has launched its local government election campaigns in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie ahead of the start of pre-poll election voting on Monday.
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In both LGAs, the Labor teams feature a string of first-time candidates alongside a multiple existing councillors
The Lake Macquarie Labor team met in Booragul on Saturday morning.
They are led by mayor Kay Fraser, who is running for a second stint as mayor and fifth term on council.
Labor has had six seats on council this term including the mayor.
Cr Fraser said Labor was running a team with a mix of local government experience and new candidates from a variety of backgrounds.
In Lake Macquarie's North Ward, current councillor Brian Adamthwaite leads Labor's ticket ahead of Keara Conroy, Mark Howells and councillor Barney Langford.
Cr Adamthwaite is a former school principal, Ms Conroy is a nurse and a mum who has interests in childcare and health, while Mr Howells has a strong passion for social justice.
In East Ward, councillors Adam Schultz and Christine Buckley are first and second, respectively, on Labor's ticket.
They are supported by Justine Clark, a clinical psychologist; and Steven Jones, a disability support worker.
In West Ward, where Labor might have its best chance of picking up an extra seat, councillor David Belcher is atop the party's ticket, ahead of Madeline Bishop, Jo Smith and David Hauser.
Ms Bishop works in disability education, Ms Smith ran for the state seat of Lake Macquarie in 2019, while Mr Hauser is as a train guard from Fennell Bay.
The Newcastle Labor team gathered with supporters at Lambton Bowling Club on Saturday morning.
Labor has been fortunate to hold seven seats on council for most of this term, allowing it to progress with its agenda virtually unimpeded.
The party will be hoping to hold that majority and is in reasonable shape to do so with five councillors seeking re-election.
Deputy lord mayor Declan Clausen lead Labor's ticket in Ward 1. His move from Ward 3 this term, shifts councillor Emma White to second place on the ticket with Rachel Smoothy third.
In Ward 2, Cr Carol Duncan, who is seeking a second term on council, leads Labor's ticket ahead of Phill Johnson and Jenna Schofield.
Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes leads Labor's ticket in Ward 3, but she will vacate her position is she re-elected mayor as expected - potentially opening the door Cr Peta Winney-Baartz and Margaret Wood to be elected. Erica James is fourth on the ticket.
Labor's ticket in Ward 3 features three first-time council candidates in Deahnna Richardson, Elizabeth Morris and Ann Crump.
