A by-election for the seat of Cessnock in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly was held on 21 February 1981. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Bob Brown to successfully contest the federal House of Representatives seat of Hunter at the 1980 election.[1]
By-elections for the seats of Maitland, Oxley and Sturt were held on the same day.
| Date | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 22 January 1981 | Writ of election issued by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and close of electoral rolls.[2] | |
| 29 January 1981 | Close of nominations | |
| 21 February 1981 | Polling day, between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm | |
| 13 March 1981 | Return of writ |