Laurieton United Services Club (LUSC) General Manager Rob Dwyer, and Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce President Luke Hadfield have confirmed to News Of The Area that they will be seeking their party’s endorsement at a ballot on Saturday.

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Current state member Leslie Williams announced her retirement on 21 January, and is expected to leave the position she has held for fourteen years, within a matter of weeks.

The NSW Electoral Commission this week set the by-election for 15 March.

It is expected to be yet another bitter contest between Coalition partners.

Mrs Williams was a member of the Nationals before switching to the Liberal Party in 2020.

As they did when unsuccessfully running former mayor Peta Pinson against Mrs Williams in 2023, the Nationals have made it clear they want the seat back.

Party heavyweights were in Port Macquarie last week to speak to potential candidates, with a name expected to be confirmed on Monday.

Meeting party faithful were NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders, Deputy Leader Gurmesh Singh and Wes Fang MLC.

“The NSW Nationals have a long and proud history in Port Macquarie and my team is excited to continue that legacy at the upcoming by-election,” Mr Saunders said.

Mr Fang conceded that “it’s going to be a tough fight”.

The trio was joined by Federal colleague Senator Ross Cadell and also shared a beach photo op with holidaying Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce.

“Tried to sneak down to the beach at Port Macquarie for the boys’ patrolled swim after my early morning swim, and who did I get called to from the coffee shop?” Mr Joyce shared on social media.

“This is the time of year to be at such a choice spot.”

NOTA has reached out to both the NSW Labor Party and NSW Greens to see if they are running a candidate, amid concerns that a two-cornered contest could leave voters confused and fatigued.

By Sue STEPHENSON