Muswellbrook mayor Steven Reynolds won't stand for council in the upcoming election to focus on his health, after suffering a "mini stroke" less than two months ago.
Cr Reynolds was voted on to council in 2016 and elected mayor in 2021, and said he was stepping down because it was "time to get the health sorted".
"I have had many an issue since my mini stroke at the end of June," Cr Reynold said.
"I didn't rest as I was instructed to and pushed myself. I have collapsed several times since, including during commentary of a rugby league match.
"I'll have to have two or three surgeries over the next 12 to 18 months. I have to have my spinal stim and battery removed from my back and neck, and then wait for further tests for the second procedure.
"It's a decision we've made over the past week or two that it's probably in the best interest of myself and my family given my health."
Cr Reynolds, 42, described himself as "just an average guy" who worked in mining, who wanted to have a voice in his community.
"It has been an absolute privilege to serve Muswellbrook Shire," he said.
"Muswellbrook is in a great space now. I have always said the big windfalls will come around March 2025 with the mining modifications, BHP negotiations and the federal elections.
"We've got plenty of land to be released after subdivisions coming through council this term, and the confidence is there, so the growth will continue from recent times and we are just so well positioned."
Cr Reynolds' time had the helm including visits from both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton, which he said highlighted the region's importance on the national stage.
But he admitted this term had been a challenging period in his personal life, as he dealt with his declining health along with the death of his brother.
Cr Reynolds thanked his supporters, the council staff and in particular his wife, Ashleigh.
"My wife has been there to pick up all the pieces every time I go downhill with migraines and hold the house together," he said.
"It's not fair on her and my kids to be putting their life on hold, while I continually push myself for the best interests of the community that we love, and then being burnt out when I am at home.
"I look forward to spending some time with my family and also getting back to some better health."
Muswellbrook will have 26 candidates running in the upcoming election, and the out-going mayor wished them all the best of luck.
"Let's keep Muswellbrook the main focus of the election," he said.
"I'll be around here and I always will be."
