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. 

“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.

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.  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.

“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,” he said. 

Pre-poll voting opens at 8am on Monday, with iVote online voting to begin at the same time. 

In person pre-poll voting can be done at 263 Keira Street (the former Dick Smith building) between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

The centre will also open on Saturday, November 5, from 9am to 5pm, with extended hours (8am to 8pm) on Thursday, November 10.