About 100 people gathered at Forbes Services Club on Thursday evening to hear the four candidates - Grant Clifton, Jenny Webb, Robyn Miller and John Berger - outline why they are seeking to fill the vacancy left by former mayor, the late Ron Penny.

The forum was chaired by Forbes Business Chamber president Stuart Thomas, who congratulated the four shire residents for seeking civic duties.

“Before hearing from the candidates, I’d just like to commend them for putting their hands up for civic duty - it’s not a job for everybody,” Mr Thomas said.

Mr Thomas introduced the four in order of their appearance on next Saturday’s ballot paper, and invited each to speak for up to 10 minutes.

Mr Clifton, publican of the Vandenberg Hotel, and Mrs Webb, a radiographer at Forbes Health Service, are seeking their first experience on local government, while Ms Miller, a recently retired nurse and midwife, and Mr Berger, who works in administration at Forbes High School, are hoping to return to council after several years’ absence.

After their introductory speeches, the candidates were asked a series of questions by Mr Thomas and ratepayers in the audience.

The Forbes Advocate has also invited each of the four to respond to a candidate survey, which covers similar ground to Thursday’s night forum, and their responses will be published in our Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7 editions.

Pre-polling is available up until election day, Saturday, May 9, at Forbes Town Hall, for those who are unable to vote on the day.

All residents of Forbes Shire aged 18 and over and registered with the AEC (Australian Electoral Commission) are required to vote in the by-election.