Walgett Shire councillor Alf Seaton will step down while he faces court over an alleged assault at a Lightning Ridge club.

Police say they began an investigation following reports the 72-year-old allegedly assaulted a 31-year-old female worker at about 9:10pm on 22 August 2025.

"Following inquiries, he was charged with common assault and behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school," a police spokesperson said.

Police say they handed him a Court Attendance Notice on 27 October.

He is due to appear before Lightning Ridge Local Court on Wednesday 24 December 2025.

A lawyer for Mr Seaton, Paul McGirr, told the ABC that his client will "vigorously defend" the charge.

"For procedural fairness, he's chosen to stand down until the matter is finalised. However, he reserves his rights and is entitled to presumption of innocence," Mr McGirr said.