Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent

In receiving the 2023 Dr Helen Proudfoot Women in Planning Award which recognises her outstanding contributions which have enhanced and improved agricultural planning policies ... DPI employee Tamara Prentice remains dedicated in her commitment to ensuring agricultural land maintains a pivotal role in the increasingly competitive rural landscape, and is motivated by her love of the natural environment.

A substantial number of landholders and residents of rural communities between Glenreagh and Ulong are vehemently opposing a proposal by the Glenreagh Mountain Railway (GMR) and their newly established sister company Tallowwood Ventures Ltd (TVL) to develop a 35km section of the currently inactive Glenreagh to Dorrigo Branch Line and transform it into a rail trail ... several residents including former GMR members told the Clarence Valley Independent they are “frustrated, angry, and disturbed” by the proposal.

As he proudly stepped up to the microphone to deliver his inaugural speech as the Member for Clarence on May 10 in the NSW Legislative Assembly, Richie Williamson revealed that despite earlier presumptions, he wasn’t as nervous as he thought he would be ... Mr Williamson told the Clarence Valley Independent it was a great honour to stand at the podium to deliver his first speech as he acknowledged his loved ones and the people of the Clarence electorate for their support, and pledged to be their advocate in parliament.

A field of eight talented bitches headed to the boxes for one of the feature events on the program, the Cosmic Bonus @ Stud Mother’s Day Pendant, during the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club’s May 14 race meeting. First run in 2022, the event is open to female trainers and their 4th and 5th grade greyhounds and recognises the incredible contributions they make each year within the greyhound racing industry.

Clarence Valley pharmacist Michael Troy from Southside Pharmacy has voiced his concerns surrounding the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which will allow Australians to purchase two months’ worth of medications for the price of a single prescription from September 1 ... “There is nothing about this proposal which makes logical sense for our local community, or for us as a small regional business”: Clarence Valley pharmacist Michael Troy.

It’s a long way from the Clarence River in Grafton to the Thames in London, but stroke by stroke, a dedicated young crew of talented rowers from Brisbane Boys College (BBC), are continuing to make waves as they determinedly pursue their dreams of representing Australia on the international stage by competing in the prestigious 2023 Henley Royal Regatta.

Growing up on her family’s beef cattle property at Fine Flower in the Clarence Valley, Brooke Chapman has always been surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Australian bush ... Inspired by her rural upbringing, her admiration for the regional landscape, and her love of writing, the 15-year-old recently penned an exquisite piece entitled ‘Love Poem to the Bush’ which she entered in the secondary school’s section of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW A.B. Paterson Bush Poetry Award at the 2023 Sydney Royal Easter Show ...

An estimated record number of spectators tartaned up and headed to the riverside community of Maclean on April 7 and 8 to experience a jubilant, colourful, and cultural celebration of all things Scottish during the 118th Maclean Highland Gathering. Amidst the dominant humming of bagpipes, Chief Peter Smith from the Lower Clarence Scottish Association declared the crowd was the largest he had seen in more than 20 years...

It may be under new ownership, and be operating under a new name, but for staff at the former J Notaras and Sons Sawmill, now known as Marshall Notaras Timbers, it’s business as usual ... “All together, all our group here (current employees), we’ve got 519 combined years of service, and that’s pretty good for one business over the years": Donna Layton.

Richie Williamson has retained the seat of Clarence for the Nationals following the 2023 State Election. As he celebrated his success surrounded by his friends, family, and loyal supporters at his Grafton Campaign Office on March 25, Mr Williamson said he felt proud and honoured to be elected as the incoming Member for Clarence following the retirement of Chris Gulaptis, who served in the role for 11 years.