Reverend Rob Hanks of Morisset Uniting Church said the forum had taken some time to convene, but would prove worth the effort.

It will be held at the church – known locally as The Church in the Trees – on Wednesday, June 29, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

“We know it’s winter, it’s cold and it’s an evening time slot, but this forum is a unique opportunity with Morisset and the peninsula now part of the Hunter electorate and not Charlton,” Reverend Hanks said.

“This is an open invitation to the whole community.”

Reverend Hanks said each of the eight candidates would be given five minutes to speak.

This would be followed by a question and answer session involving the audience.

The candidates are: Ruth Rogers (The Nationals); John Harvey (Independent); Joel Fitzgibbon (Labor); Arjay Martin (Independent); Peter Morris (Greens); Richard Stretton (Christian Democratic Party); John Warham (Independent); and Cordelia Troy (Independent).

Ms Rogers is a Singleton councillor and a strong advocate for members of the armed forces and their families. She will represent the Coalition in the seat as there is no Liberal candidate.

Mr Harvey is a Cessnock dentist and hotel owner and former strategist for conservative leaders such as Nick Greiner, and he believes Hunter would get a better deal if it were a marginal seat.

Mr Fitzgibbon is the incumbent member for Hunter, a role he has held for 20 years.

Mr Martin is seeking to harness anti-party sentiment and is a former candidate at state and federal elections.

Mr Morris is a former TAFE teacher and ardent climate change campaigner.

Mr Stretton represents the Fred Nile Group and holds strong views on moral issues including the “erosion of Australian values”.

Mr Warham is a teacher and former youth worker and Uniting Church minister who wants regions to get a fair go. 

And Ms Troy is a Cessnock councillor who said she would focus on grassroots local issues, giving voters a genuine choice.