South Grafton pool set to close
The decision by Clarence Valley Councillors to support the officer's recommendation to seek expressions of interest to dispose of the South Grafton Pool and Boyd Nattress Complex by way of sale ... has been described by many locals as extremely sad and disappointing.
Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre officially opens
It was a highly anticipated occasion for the Clarence Valley community who have waited more than two years to access the $29.1 million state-of-the-art facility.
Clarence Valley soaked as rivers rise
Moderate and major flooding was occurring across Northern NSW as the Clarence Valley Independent went to print this week, and while coastal communities including Iluka and Yamba avoided the worst of the severe weather event, further inland, residents in Grafton and surrounding areas endured a nervous wait as heavy rain associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continued to fall locally and in the catchment area.
Laurie lights up Las Vegas
Less than four minutes after kick-off, former Grafton Ghosts and Lower Clarence Magpies player Daine Laurie was called into the game between the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks as Round 1 of the 2025 NRL season got underway at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 1.
In conversation with Laura Black
The Clarence Valley Independent recently invited Ms Black to speak with us as a high-profile local woman in business in recognition of International Women’s Day 2025 ... Her name is instantly recognisable throughout the region as the General Manager of Clarence Valley Council ...
Council GM awarded pay rise
Emma Pritchard and Rodney Stevens. Clarence Valley Council (CVC) General Manager Laura Black has been awarded a 2.5 percent pay rise after Councillors voted on the recommendation to increase her remuneration during one of the most drama filled Council meetings in years ... Data obtained from the NSW Office of Local Government shows between July 2023 and June 2024, Ms Black was paid $363,866.
Community enthusiasm makes a splash as 50m pool opens in Grafton
As she positioned herself on the starting block, adjusted her goggles, and concentrated on her breathing while focusing on the water in front of her, it was a moment 16-year-old Andrea Thomson was determined to savour ... Andrea was one of the first swimmers to dive into the 50m Grafton Olympic Pool at the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre during its public opening on February 15.
Youth crime crisis: Locals call for change
Every night *Ivy checks her doors and windows and makes sure they are secure before she goes to bed. But she doesn’t sleep, at least not for long. As she told the Clarence Valley Independent last week, she’s lucky if she catches "between four and five hours of shuteye each night." "I’m always on edge, because I never know when they will come," she said.
Troy Cassar-Daley takes home five Golden Guitars
The 2025 Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) were held in Tamworth on January 25, with Clarence Valley country music star and proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man Troy Cassar-Daley one of the most celebrated artists on the night. Cassar-Daley won five Golden Guitars, bringing his total to a record 45.
Growing celebrations as Yamba Community Garden set to expand
It isn’t just the trees, blossoming shrubs, and well tendered to veggie patches which are growing in the Yamba Community Garden. After applying for and subsequently receiving a grant of close to $14000 through the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF) last month, the popular recreational area in Wattle Park is set to expand by 200m2, creating additional space for more Clarence Valley residents to enjoy outdoor activities while fostering an inclusive environment and promoting sustainability within the Lower Clarence.
