Local performers orchestrating their talents online
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'.
Anti-mining debate finishes in a ‘draw’
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).
Illuminated jacarandas a sight to see
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.
Sea breeze a treat for Big River sailors
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.
Lighting up Grafton with a crowning affair – but 2021 Jacaranda Festival postponed
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
Driven to succeed on the local road to success
Emma Pritchard. Fuelled by his inspiration to provide the local community with affordable and reliable public transport, Mark Ruthven decided to put his business plan into first gear, and two years later, his investment is continuing along the road to success ... “Rabbit Ride-Share works along a similar line to Uber, but unlike Uber where customers use an app, they contact our call centre in town, talk to an operator, tell them where they are and where they need to go, they’re quoted an exact fare and one of our vehicles is immediately dispatched.”
Courageous Cohen wins battle with Osteosarcoma
Emma Pritchard. Cohen Daly has continued to inspire everyone, including the Clarence Valley community, with his courage as he bravely fought cancer ... just a few weeks ago, Cohen and his family finally received the news they had been longing and praying for.

