Independent Brad Christensen, Nationals David Gillespie, Greens Julie Lyford and Labor’s Peter Alley, four of the six politicians running in the current election for the federal seat of Lyne, were given 10 minutes to speak before a question and answer session. The two candidates absent from the evening were independent Rodger Riach and the Christian Democratic Party’s Elaine Carter.

During their speeches, each candidate shared a little bit about themselves and where they came from.

Mr Christensen is a born and bred dairy farmer from Taree who has a love for the land. He is a butcher by trade but core values, self respect and assisting kids are what drive him. His recent posting was as a councillor for four years on the former Greater Taree City Council.

Dr Gillespie first visited Gloucester for a canoeing trip and then returned to explore the area on a bicycle, getting the know the Bucketts Way very well. He was a doctor for 33 years before moving to Wauchope in 1993 and taking on cattle farming for export. Dr Gillespie is currently holding the federal seat for Lyne.

Mrs Lyford moved to Australia at 18 and never looked back, especially after meeting her husband, who she referred to as the love of her life. He was the reason she moved to Gloucester 30 years ago. She has a nursing degree, was part of the former Gloucester Shire Council for 17 years and was also mayor. She loves living in Gloucester and loves rural communities. 

Mr Alley is married with eight children, between him and his wife and moved to Camden Haven six years ago. He comes from an information technology (IT) background with experience in finance, telecommunications and business consulting with ties to the Anglican Church. Rock climbing is a sport he loves because he finds it physically and mentally challenging.

The candidates also discussed the political issues which matter most to their campaigns.

Around 50 people attended the event.