Gosford by-election: Key facts

PROFILE

* The Central Coast electorate runs along the Hawkesbury River and covers the western part of Gosford, including the suburbs of Woy Woy and Ettalong

* One of the most marginal seats in NSW, traditionally considered Labor

DEPARTING

* Labor MP Kathy Smith decided to stand down in February after being diagnosed with cancer for the second time

PAST POLLS

* Ms Smith held the seat on a slim 0.2 per cent margin after she beat Liberal incumbent Chris Holstein by just 203 votes in the 2015 state election

* Swing of 12.2 per cent to the Labor Party in the 2015 poll

CANDIDATES

* Liesl Tesch - LABOR

The seven-time Paralympian and teacher is a favourite to win the poll. She has vowed to make education and youth unemployment her top priorities

* Jilly Pilon - LIBERAL

Has been the office manager of a family manufacturing business for 20 years and is a strong advocate for organ donation after losing her 10-year-old son in a skateboard accident in 2015. The mother of Australia's Got Talent winner Fletcher Pilon also lives outside the electorate, in Wamberal

* Abigail Boyd - GREENS

A finance lawyer and Terrigal resident. Her top issues are improving railway infrastructure and creating more cost-effective childcare

* Andrew Church - CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY (FRED NILE GROUP)

Runs his own businesses and two training organisations. Started the Central Coast's Interactive War Museum and was named Gosford citizen of the year last year

* Larry Freeman - SHOOTERS FISHERS AND FARMERS

Life-long Central Coast resident who's worked for Gosford City Council for three decades

* Skyla Wagstaff - ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY

Has held roles in Not for Profit disability organisations. The local mother says she is passionate about social justice issues