Clarence Valley Independent

Emma Pritchard. While she stands proudly amongst the blossoming purple trees in Grafton’s See Park, the cost of keeping Jacaranda Jill safe from vandals while on public display has led to the resignation of Jacaranda Festival President Nicholas Buckler. Mr Buckler confirmed his resignation via email late last week, citing issues regarding finances spent on 24-hour security for the 6m tall kewpie doll.

Emma Pritchard. From the moment they walked onto the stage at the Saraton Theatre on October 31, the audience applauded and cheered loudly as they watched two of the most iconic musicians in the country deliver a beautiful acoustic performance. When he told the crowd he “brought a friend along” to his hometown, Troy Cassar-Daley shot Ian Moss a cheeky grin as their fingers glided skilfully over their guitar strings.

Emma Pritchard. More than 40 members of the Maclean Music Academy will feature alongside bands, choirs and musicians from across Australia as part of the AMEB Online Orchestra this week ... To participate, the academy filmed and submitted footage of several of their members performing segments from the specially commissioned song, 'Morning Star and Evening Star'.

Geoff Helisma. Debate about the Clarence Catchment Alliance’s (CCA) petition calling for the cessation of mineral mining and exploration in the Clarence River catchment took place in the NSW Legislative Assembly on Thursday October 14 ... The petition was lodged by  Lismore MP Janelle Saffin (Labor) ... Speaking against the petition was  Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis (Nationals).  

Emma Pritchard. From sundown until 10:30pm between October 21 and 24, one of Grafton’s most popular recreational areas lit up the exuberance of Clarence Valley residents and visitors to the region, with a dazzling display of lights, colour, and natural beauty.   Created as an additional attraction during the 2021 Jacaranda Festival, the blossoming jacaranda trees in See Park were stylishly illuminated to showcase their exquisite purple radiance, allowing them to be admired during the day and night.

Wayne Culph. In what could only be described as near perfect conditions, sailors at the Big River Sailing Club enjoyed a memorable day on the water last  Saturday. A moderate sea breeze, a run out tide, the absence of storms, and some closely fought racing were all the ingredients that kept the smiles on the 20 skippers that contested the two races of the Handicap Series.

Emma Pritchard. The 2021 Jacaranda Festival has been postponed for five weeks due to community concerns amidst Grafton’s rising Covid-19 case numbers ... "we were also expecting no restrictions on who could attend, but the double-vax rule has since meant many who haven’t been fully vaccinated won’t be able to. Moving the festival back five weeks will alleviate both of these issues and enable us to keep its tradition very much alive:” Jacaranda Festival Manager, Mark Blackadder