Crowning moment in honour of the Queen
Emma Pritchard. A much loved and time-honoured tradition which celebrates the beginning of the Jacaranda season, the crowning of the famous Grafton Clocktower was brought forward by several weeks this year at the request of Clarence Valley residents in honour of Queen Elizabeth II ... Shortly before 6am on September 14, the iconic crown was carefully guided into place as a small crowd ... gathered in Prince Street to watch.
Bridge to Bridge back home at Harwood
In October 2021 Maclean Business Chamber approached Mark Stephenson from Big River Ski Club to start the conversation around bringing the Bridge-to-Bridge Ski Race back to the lower river and the traditional full course, turning at Harwood Bridge ... “The Race is a big-ticket event in the Clarence Valley with competitors and spectators coming from far and wide, to take part, or be a part of the spectacular event": President of the Chamber, Christine Tyler.
Winning writers announced
One of the hardest but most pleasurable jobs in the Clarence Valley is judging The Long Way Home writing competition – that’s according to the judges. But the verdict is in. The Long Way Home’s Claire Aman said the theme this year was ‘let go,’ prompting writers of all ages to come up with a fabulous bunch of stories – poignant, hopeful, quirky.
CRHS pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Emma Pritchard. Members of the Clarence River Historical Society were saddened to hear of the passing of Britain’s longest serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II last week. President Steve Tranter said Her Majesty was a friend of Australia who was widely loved, respected and admired by many people.
Brian’s 550km ride for sick kids
Rodney Stevens. When Brian Elvery was offered the opportunity to ride his bicycle more than 500km to raise money for Ronald McDonald House he didn’t hesitate to accept. Last week, along with a core group of a dozen other cyclists plus support crew, Mr Elvery got in the saddle on Tuesday at Inverell, for the 2022 Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW Ride For Sick Kids, aiming to raise $200,000.
History to reunite on the Clarence River
Emma Pritchard. The name is synonymous with producing some of the most recognisable and sought-after speed-boats to race across the country, and the world ... Founded over 70 years ago by renowned shipwright Harry Hammond who was later joined in the family business by his son Mark, Hammond Craft built some of the most versatile speedboats in the country during the 1950s and 1960s.
CVC takes less than 24 hours to reject James Creek Residents Group request
Rodney Stevens. A request by The James Creek Residents Group for an independent Landscape Architect to research and report on a proposed controversial subdivision has been rejected by Clarence Valley Council in less than 24 hours ... “What worries us is it’s the first subdivision out here in the hinterland of what we call Yamba and it's important to do it correctly," said Lorri Brown.
Local author booking success
Emma Pritchard. When Clarence Valley resident Paul MacNamara decided to transition from an everyday teacher to an education officer in the prison system, he found himself in an unfamiliar classroom with strict settings and new students. Some were sex offenders and murderers, others were serving time for armed robbery, drug offences, or breaking and entering ... "I noticed that people of all ages would ask me about my job and what is was like to teach in a gaol," he recalled.
