Nationals MP Stephen Bromhead has died after a battle with cancer.
Bromhead retired from parliament in August last year after serving as member for Myall Lakes for 12 years across three terms.
Deputy premier Paul Toole confirmed "Brommy" died yesterday after a "devoted lifetime to serving his community".
Before politics, Bromhead was a registered nurse, a police officer and a voluenteer firefighter.
"Brommy, like me, was part of the class of Nats MPs who entered parliament in 2011 determined to make a difference. He did not disappoint," Toole said in a statement.
"It's testament to the character of Brommy that when it came time to say his goodbyes to the Parliament last year that rather than just list his many achievements, he used it to say thank you for the privilege of being able to serve."
Toole listed his political accomplishments like upgrading hospitals and health services in Taree, Forester and Old Bar.
"No one has fought harder to ensure the people of Myall Lakes get the health services they deserve and his death will be felt throughout the community," Toole said.
"He set a shining example as a Nationals MP of someone who fought passionately for what mattered to his community and when that fight was won, went straight into battle on the next issue.
"It's because of that passion that Stephen Bromhead's legacy can today be seen right across the Myall Lakes electorate and will stand long into the future.
"On behalf of the NSW Nationals, I send my deepest sympathies to Stephen's wife Sue and his family.
"Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years."
During his time in NSW Parliament he served as the Nationals whip, parliamentary secretary for regional transport and roads and the parliamentary secretary for regional housing.
He was the president of the NSW Parliamentary Lions Club and served on a number of parliamentary committees.
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