Five candidates will contest the November 12 poll, which was prompted by the retirement of former Labor Wollongong MP Noreen Hay earlier this year. 

Mr Scully claimed the number-one spot after his name was pulled out first during a ballot draw in Wollongong on Thursday afternoon. 

“I think that’s probably best described as luck of the draw and I was fortunate enough to be the lucky one in the top spot this time,” he said of his position.

“People will be seeking out Labor at this byelection because they know our priorities for local jobs, opposition to the privatisation of Shellharbour Hospital and [putting] money into our schools and TAFE and Unanderra stations lifts are their priorities.    

“Labor’s priorities are matching our communities priorities.”

After sitting atop the Cunningham ballot at the July federal election, The Greens’ Cath Blakey found herself at the other end of the list this time around. 

“I don’t read much into it. Hopefully people look at policies and actually having a real fresh voice for Wollongong and make the decision based on that,” Ms Blakey said. 

“We’re hoping that the community still keep showing support for The Greens and the work that we’re doing for our coast and our community.

“I don’t think we can rely on luck, we have to rely on work and getting out in the community … presenting good ideas in the contest of ideas and hopefully people choose a future for Wollongong that’s based on renewable energy and moving forward.” 

Mr Scully and Ms Blakey were present for the ballot draw, as was independent candidate – and Wollongong lord mayor – Gordon Bradbery.

The Christian Democratic Party’s Colleen Baxter was represented at the draw by CDP member Steve Ryan.

Cr Bradbery believed voters would “seek out the candidate they want” when they approach the ballot box.

“The position on the ballot paper does mean a bit in terms of what they call the donkey vote, but at the same time I’ve been well down the list before,” he said.

“I’m used to not necessarily being first. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a fairly short list [of candidates] and I think people will be able to discern who they want.” 

The order of the ballot paper is: