ATTENTIVE: Last week's euthenasia forum at Cardiff RSL attracted a packed house.
ORGANISERS of last week's Lake Macquarie euthanasia forum say they are happy with increased public debate surrounding the wishes of terminally-ill patients.
Speakers at the forum spoke in front of a packed crowd in favour of changing the current laws.
Among the speakers were Dying With Dignity NSW president Richard Mills, Christians Supporting Choice for Voluntary Euthanasia spokesman Ian Wood and NSW Greens Member of the Legislative Council Cate Faehrmann.
Ms Faehrmann plans to move a private members' motion in NSW Parliament later this year to allow voluntary euthanasia.
Dying With Dignity NSW member Stuart Carter said it was a good turnout.
"People from the floor were churned up over other people's stories," Mr Carter said.
"They didn't want to go through the same experiences themselves."
Hamilton resident Maryrose Silva said everyone needed to have a conversation with their nearest and dearest about what might happen when they could not speak for themselves.
"We see images of people connected to machines, but somehow we seem to think this won't happen to us," Ms Silva said.
"We need to make our voices heard about the choices we would like to apply, when that time comes."