* CSU and Chamber of Commerce co-host free public forum * Candidates from three parties to respond to voters questions * Opportunity to question candidates about what they can do for their communityCharles Sturt University (CSU) and the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce will co-host a NSW state election ‘Meet the Candidates’ free public forum on Thursday 14 March.CSU Acting Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Industry) Professor Heather Cavanagh said, “The Student Representative Council at the University in Port Macquarie was considering staging a similar forum in advance of the 2019 NSW state election on Saturday 23 March.“When we learned that the local Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce was interested in holding a similar forum we agreed to present it together.“This will be a free ‘question and answer’ event, and is a great opportunity to hear from our local candidates, and for the local community, including students and businesses, to ask any questions prior to the election.“This community engagement is a practical expression of Charles Sturt University’s values of being insightful, inclusive and impactful, and I encourage as many people as possible to attend.”The candidates for the NSW Electorate of Port Macquarie are:* Ms Leslie Williams, MP – The Nationals (Sitting Member)* Mr Peter Alley – The Country Labor candidate* Ms Drusi Megget – The Greens candidatePort Macquarie Chamber of Commerce Executive Officer Mr Mark Wilson will be moderator of the ‘question and answer’-style forum.Mr Wilson said, “One of the roles the Chamber plays is to advocate for the local business community, across all tiers of government.“We have partnered with Charles Sturt University, another great community supporter, to offer the electorate the opportunity to question all candidates and find out what they can do for their community.“Although everyone is welcome to attend, we encourage local business owners and students, in particular, to visit the Port Chamber website and register for this event.“More than ever, now is the time to foster the changes we want to see in our region.”Register here for this free pre-election event: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eg30na9h0196d03aThe forum will be held at 6pm on Thursday 14 March at CSU in Port Macquarie, room 2048, 7 Major Innes Rd.