Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce is hosting a meet the candidates session at the Gunnedah Rugby Club on Thursday, September 1.

All bar two of the 13 candidates nominated for the 2016 local government election have indicated they will be attending.

Mayor Owen Hasler and standing councillor Rebecca Ryan have prior commitments at concurrent community activities and will be unavailable for the majority of the candidate meeting. However both said a late appearance might be possible if time permits.

Chamber vice president Stacey Thibault said an alternate date was sought given other events happening on the same night, namely the Gunnedah Schools on Stage production. But all other proposed dates would have meant even more councillor candidates would be unavailable.

“We had to go with the majority,” Ms Thibault said.

“It’s not a compulsory meet and greet, we’re doing it for the interest of the community.”

MC for the night is NSW Business Chamber regional manager of New England North West, Joe Townsend.

“He works a lot with us, he’s always very supportive,” Thibault said.  

Joe will read a brief candidate-prepared introduction, which will be followed by a short speech by each candidate. The floor will then be opened to members of the public for a question and answer session. 

The events start 7pm with nibbles and drinks available for purchase.

Pre-poll voting opens August 29 and postal votes are also available. Election day is Saturday, September 10. For more information visit the Gunnedah Shire Council website and follow the links.

2016 Gunnedah Shire councillor candidates: Robert Hooke, John Campbell, Wayne Griffiths, Murray O’Keefe, Owen Hasler, Stephen Smith, David Moses, Colleen Fuller, Rebecca Ryan, Ann-Maree Luke, Jamie Chaffey, Gwen Griffen and Roslyn Swain.