Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent

Kenneth “Ken” Weeks, the Clarence Valley’s oldest resident and the country’s oldest known living man, celebrated his 111th birthday earlier this month at his residence at Whiddon Grafton. With his loved ones by his side, Mr Weeks enjoyed a low-key affair this year after his 110th birthday in 2023 was commemorated in spectacular style by Heinz Australia who personalised 300 cans of his favourite food, baked beans, with his portrait in his honour.

Since the inaugural Grafton Jacaranda Festival was held in 1935 and attracted an estimated 4000 attendees to the region, it has become Australia’s foremost floral celebration … thousands of visitors from across the country and overseas journey to the Clarence Valley to share in the history of the time honoured annual festivity while immersing themselves amongst local attractions, characters, and traditions…

Ray Smith has been elected as the new Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor during the first ordinary meeting of council following the 2024 Local Government Election at the Grafton Council Chambers ... As he outlined his experience and knowledge while reflecting on his extensive career within Local Government, Cr Smith spoke of his past leadership across three "very different councils with different cultures" over a 30 year period ...

Following his father’s tragic passing in a farming accident in 2001 and years of consistently dry weather which had a devastating impact on his family’s livelihood, Shannon Noll decided to audition for Australian Idol ... Recently, he caught up with the Clarence Valley Independent and spoke about how much he is looking forward to stepping onto the stage in one of the most famous venues in Northern NSW ...

Situated on Harwood Island, overlooking prime agricultural land and the majestic Clarence River, is one of the oldest continuously operating sugar mills in the country. The Harwood Sugar Mill and Refinery has been crushing cane since 1874, and is one of three facilities in the state owned and managed by Sunshine Sugar … In 2024, the Harwood Sugar Mill and Refinery is proud to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

It doesn’t just affect those without a roof over their head. It also affects entire communities. As this article went to print, there are over 120000 people experiencing homelessness across Australia ... "It’s important that people know support services are available within their local community."

During Homelessness Week 2024, which ran from August 5-11, the Clarence Valley Independent met Eliza, who experienced homelessness in her early 20s. Eliza kindly agreed to share her story with our readers, and said she hopes to raise awareness of the reality of homelessness, how it impacted her life, and how she is working towards rebuilding and reshaping her life.

For Carmell Sanne, it hasn’t just been about selling quality lingerie, sleepwear, and hosiery throughout the past 30 years, it’s also been about working closely with Clarence Valley women who have undergone lumpectomies, unilateral, and double mastectomies, offering professional advice and guidance as they navigate life post-surgery, and helping them restore their confidence and rediscover their identities.

Investigations are continuing following the tragic passing of a 67-year-old man in the Clarence Valley last week. Shortly after 10am on Thursday, July 25, emergency services were called to the riverside village of Lawrence, around 25km north of Grafton, following reports a semi-trailer transporting sugarcane was submerged in the Clarence River.

With the introduction of several new attractions including a competitive chainsaw competition and a bullock team, the 2024 Glenreagh Timber Festival attracted more than 6500 attendees to the Glenreagh Recreational Grounds ... families of all ages enjoyed themselves as they celebrated the rich heritage of the rural village.