Clarence Valley Independent

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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.

Motorfest 22 revs into life

Emma Pritchard. Thousands of visitors attended the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club’s Motorfest 22 at Jabour Park, South Grafton, on August 28 ... Motorfest 22 Committee Chairman David Andrews said more than 300 vintage vehicles were proudly displayed for the public, with participants avidly embracing the opportunity to view the classic collection up close...

‘Don’t drown our town’ – Stop the fill Yamba protest

Rodney Stevens. 'Don't drown our town...Stop the fill'. Those were the chants that echoed across Ford Park and the Yamba Markets on Sunday as more than 100 concerned residents donned red and held up 'Stop the fill' signs to protest against the continual parade of b-doubles dumping fill for floodplain developments ... "They've written to council, they've contacted council over the years about the drainage, about the floodwater in their homes, about the lack of an overall plan and nothing happens."