It follows Nationals candidate Shane Sali and independent candidate Lou Costa withdrawing from the event earlier this week, despite previously confirming their attendance.
The event at Shepparton’s Church Of Christ, being held for the first time ahead of this month’s state election, is designed to provide a forum for members of the local Christian community to hear from candidates for the Shepparton district on issues that matter to Christians, with the opportunity for audience members to ask questions.
Event organiser and Church Of Christ secretary Anne Stone said she was disappointed given the amount of work that had been put into organising the event.
“We were giving them the opportunity to speak to a large section of the community,” she said.
“People will turn up tonight expecting more candidates.”
She said that neither Mr Sali nor Ms Costa provided a reason for their non-attendance.
Mrs Stone said it was also disappointing that Labor and the Greens did not respond to invitations to the event despite repeated attempts.
She confirmed the forum would be proceeding, taking place from 7pm at the Church Of Christ, 105 Corio St, Shepparton.
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