IT was an incredibly difficult and emotional decision, but for Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser - it is time to call time on a remarkable career in public office.
Cr Fraser announced she would step down on Friday, having served as an East Ward Labor councillor for 12 years between 2004 and 2016, and mayor for the last eight.
After nearly two decades serving the public, Cr Fraser said she was proud to look back on her achievements and look ahead to a new chapter.
"It was a difficult decision because I absolutely love the role," she said.
"I've given it everything I can, we've achieved so much in these last eight years but I feel the council is in very good hands financially, it's a very cohesive and collaborative council and I'm proud of what we've achieved."
As mayor, she's always had a softer and more collaborative approach - but she's never been afraid to advocate with an iron fist if it meant getting the best for Lake Macquarie.
"Absolutely you have to be very tough, as you might have seen in the local newspaper I've often criticised Transport for NSW openly, but we have been successful with grants for the Weir Bridge at Barnsley, Munibung Road at Boolaroo and Cardiff and Mandalong Road at Morisset where we secured over $70 million from the state and federal governments," she said.
"That's the type of advocacy it takes as a mayor, you have to talk to people at all levels and get a seat at the table.
"Be brave and bold when you need to be, thankful when you get assistance but my number one priority has always been the community."
Cr Fraser said the role of mayor should not be taken lightly, and she's learned a lot in her time with the council.
"A true leader is a really good listener, I think," she said.
"It's someone who works with the executive team and staff for the greater good of the community, because it is a big commitment, it's seven days a week.
"I took this on knowing that and I haven't regretted one minute of it."
Cr Fraser said she's particularly proud of how the city has transformed over the years, sharpening its identity as a tourism hot-spot and a desirable place to live.
For her, seeing the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track come to fruition, forging ahead with the Windale Community Library Centre, livening up the city's night-time economy and the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange were among her career highlights.
The Labor party called for nominations for the September local government election on Friday.
While Cr Fraser won't be contesting the September election, the Lake Macquarie local said she'll be looking on with a keen eye to see where the council takes the city next.
In her place, Cr Fraser will support former deputy mayor and East Ward Cr Adam Shultz for the top job.
"I'll always be watching from the sidelines," she said.
"I'm endorsing Cr Shultz, it will be up to the Labor party to pre-select and then the residents to choose the mayor, but regardless I hope whoever is elected as the mayor continues my legacy, the great work the city has seen over the last eight years and is there for the residents."
Cr Fraser said Cr Shultz is "strongly connected" to his community, calling him an "energetic" and "effective advocate" for Lake Macquarie.
Come September, Cr Fraser plans to spend her newfound free time exploring Australia in her caravan with her husband and spending time with family.
Born in Wellington in the state's central west, Cr Fraser has lived in Lake Macquarie for 40 years and is married to her husband Carey, with twin boys Steven and Peter and a pet Maltese terrier poodle Archie.
She has served on a number of council committees including the youth council, the International Children's Games Reference Committee, Lake Mac Awards Committee, Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards Committee, the Hunter Sports Centre and The Place.
Cr Fraser said she would continue to contribute to the ALP outside of her role as mayor.
"Others have observed that the Labor party is like a family; we have our differences from time to time but we're always there for each other when it really counts," she said.
She thanked the community for always being engaged and open with their concerns and ideas.
"The warmth, passion and dedication that people have for our community is extraordinary and humbling," she said.
