Record entrants – Yamba Ocean Swim splashes into 2023
Rodney Stevens. The Yamba Ocean Swim kicked off 2023 with a splash as a record number of entrants hit the water across all age groups, cheered on by a crowd of hundreds on a stunning summer’s day ... “We had 397 entrants this year which is well up on our previous best of 354 in 2013,” said Yamba Surf Club Surf Sports Director and Race Organiser Jim Dougherty.
Tourist bookings and property interest strong over summer
Rodney Stevens. The Clarence Valley’s reputation of being a premier holiday destination, but an even better place to live, has seen tourists and locals taking an active interest in the real estate market and holiday letting almost at capacity during the Christmas holidays. On the back of Yamba being named in real-estate.com.au Hottest 100 suburbs for 2023, agents are reporting steady sales and solid inquiries.
Fashionable time to visit Schaeffer House
Emma Pritchard. While many people journey to the Clarence Valley to experience its regional charm, culture, scenery, and its vibrant communities and townships, its unique history and heritage are on public display at Schaeffer House Museum in Grafton. And for the next two months, the museum is showcasing a special exhibition.
Yamba in top 100 Australian suburbs
Rodney Stevens. Yamba has been named in the realestate.com.au inaugural Hot 100 as being in the top 100 suburbs in Australia for real estate prospects in 2023. Often touted as being the next Byron Bay, Yamba was also named Australia’s top town by Australian Traveller Magazine in 2009.
Driven to succeed
Emma Pritchard. Ruby Howell has her sights firmly set on a bright future. And the enthusiastic eight-year-old from Grafton is on track to achieve her dreams ... Ruby recently travelled overseas with her family to take part in the Competitive Off-Road Racing Series 2022 National Race Event at Carolina Adventure World in Winnsboro, South Carolina ...
Cane grower’s plea for assistance
The NSW sugar industry is putting out a call for truck drivers, in a race to finalise the harvest and crushing of this years’ northern rivers sugarcane crop. Thousands of tonnes of sugarcane remain unharvested due to a shortage of truck drivers.
Clarence candidates on nuclear fusion electricity generation
Rodney Stevens. As power prices are predicted to skyrocket by up to 50 per cent, a raft of alternative energy sources are being explored to satisfy our endless electricity consumption, including nuclear fusion, which the Nationals are open to exploring ... the CV Independent asked the candidates for the seat of Clarence their thoughts on the controversial topic.
Local firefighter recognised for community service
Emma Pritchard. After helping to keep the Clarence Valley community safe for 20 years alongside his fellow crew members from South Grafton Fire and Rescue 307 Station, Graham Richards has been recognised for his selfless contributions and dedication to his role. On December 7, the local firefighter was proudly presented with the long service and good conduct medal by Zone Commander Greg Lewis.

