Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent

Born and raised in the Clarence Valley, Alice Jabour, 30, grew up admiring the Grafton Jacaranda Festival and the proud traditions it holds within the local community. As a student at St Joseph’s Primary School in South Grafton, she recalls feeling inspired to nominate as a Jacaranda candidate after a former Jacaranda Royal Party visited her and her classmates.

When he first arrived in Australia, several prospective syndications declined to purchase a share in him, describing him as crook looking and too lanky. Prone to injuries, it was an effort for dedicated Sydney trainer Les Bridge just to get the horse to the races ... Kensei (NZ) became one of the most popular horses to set a hoof on the Grafton Racecourse.

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."

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.