Member for Clarence delivers inaugural speech
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.
Gypsy on Road to success in Mother’s Day Pendant
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.
Pharmacist speaks out against 60-day dispensing plan
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.
Water-load of love for the Clarence River
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.
Brooke’s Royal way with words
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 ...
Community in full fling for 118th Maclean Highland Gathering
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...
Marshalling in a new era with Notaras family legacy
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 it is!
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.
Clarence Tunes a storming success again in 2023
Wet weather may have forced a last-minute venue change, but it was raining talent at the Maclean Bowling Club on March 25 as singers and songwriters from across the region stepped onto the stage and let their vocals and instrumental skills shine during local music festival Clarence Tunes ... A star-studded line up including Isla and Bella, Waiting For Alex, Olivia Hinde, and Kirra Hallam, earned repeated rounds of applause from an appreciative audience, who described the performers as “outstanding”, “awesome”, and “amazing.”
Labor and Nationals candidates build opinions on affordable housing in the Clarence Valley
The ALP candidate for Clarence Leon Ankersmit has declared the election of a Labor Government on March 25 as the first step towards addressing the housing crisis in NSW. Following the announcement of a $3.5 million investment ... as an election promise by Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, alongside $3 million contributed by Clarence Village, Mr Hogan reaffirmed his commitment to the project earlier this year, adding "the Labor Government are not going to fund this." CEO of Clarence Village Duncan McKimm ... was keen to uncover if a Labor Government will match their $3 million in funding.
