29/10/2026
Eleven state election candidates have committed to attending the Gippsland Times' forum tonight.
The event, featuring candidates for two lower house electorates which cover the Wellington Shire - Gippsland South and Gippsland East - as well as two seeking a spot in the upper house, will be held from 5.30pm in the Wellington Room at the Port of Sale.
The forum will be livestreamed on the Gippsland Times page.
For Gippsland South, Nationals current member Danny O'Brien, Greens candidate Zave Evans, One Nation's Bianca Wilkie, Lachie McGennisken from the Victorian Socialists, and independent Phillip Schuhmann, will be in attendance.
For Gippsland East, Labor's Sonny Stephens, One Nation's Steve Goodman and Socialists candidate Amy Espeseth will be there.
Candidates unable to attend tonight's forum were given the opportunity to provide a video statement. Nationals candidate for Gippsland East Gemma Rendell was set to attend, but because of a personal matter, has provided a video statement.
Candidates for the Eastern Victoria upper house region, independent Antoinette Pitt, Helen Jeges from the Animal Justice Party and One Nation's Clay Esler will also be at the forum.
All publicly known candidates for both lower house electorates were invited to participate in the forum. The Gippsland Times understands there are at least two other candidates intending to stand in Gippsland East, but that is yet to be publicly-confirmed.
The forum is expected to run for about 90 minutes, with members of the public able to ask candidates a question.
Tea and coffee will be available.
The Gippsland Times appreciates the assistance of Wellington Shire Council in making the Wellington Room available for the forum.
