Clarence Valley Independent

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Iconic Copmanhurst property on the market

Emma Pritchard. The Church of the Holy Apostles in Copmanhurst is widely admired and loved by many, having served the Copmanhurst community and surrounding districts for more than a century. Strong family connections and lifelong memories have been formed, along with an intense interest in its history and preservation. And it has also generated plenty of interest in the property market.

Skateboarding towards a bright future

Emma Pritchard. Keen to offer Clarence Valley youths an opportunity to participate in a fun-filled outdoor activity, and make a contribution to his community, Sonny Ingledew established Yamba Skate School 18 months ago, and the locally based business continues to experience a strong surge in popularity.

New rate peg methodology includes population growth

Geoff Helisma. NSW Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock has “endorsed the new rate peg methodology and has asked IPART to give effect to it in setting the rate peg from the 2022-23 financial year” ... Clarence Valley Council’s (CVC) general manager, Ashley Lindsay, said he didn’t foresee any “significant increase in its revenue”, because of the changes.

Patient’s express anger at Iluka doctor’s suspension

Geoff Helisma. Many people have reacted angrily to the news that the Medical Council of NSW has temporarily suspended the registration of Iluka doctor David Alan Richards (Iluka Wellness Centre) following a decision by a  Council s.150 (immediate action) panel ... “Sad day for Iluka,” one person posted. “We miss you Doc. It was so good to go to a doctor that was brave and honest and truly believed in the  Hippocratic Oath ... “There is conclusive evidence (sighted on Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency documents) that AHPRA has silenced health practitioners from raising concerns about the Covid-19 vaccine ...": Petition EN3375.

Drawn to exhibit her local talents

Emma Pritchard. Clarence Valley residents will have the unique opportunity to view, and participate, in a stunning exhibition at the Clarence Regional Library in Grafton. Highlighted as part of the library’s ‘Local Faces, Local Voices’ program, the exhibition is entitled About Face and will feature exquisite portraiture created by renowned artist Terry Bouton and will demonstrate the intricate and intriguing details of portraits, and how they are brought to life.

Local trainers tracking plenty of success

Emma Pritchard. Despite not being able to head trackside, punters still managed to form winning combinations with local trainers in Grafton last week when the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) held their third and final race meeting for the month on September 28. With the track rated a Good 4 and the rail in its true position, 91 horses competed across the eight-race program, with locally trained gallopers saluting the judge on three occasions.

Southgate residents oppose location of solar proposal

Geoff Helisma. A group of Southgate residents is opposing a proposal to develop a solar plant in an area they say is “visible to residents all around”. Tasmanian-based company, Infinergy Pacific, wrote to residents who live near the proposal on August 5, advising that it is “currently investigating the feasibility of developing a solar farm on neighbouring land at 58 Boorman’s Lane, Lower Southgate” ... Spokesperson for the residents, Steve Grimes, said, “We’re not anti-solar, we’re against the location they are currently proposing.”

2021 Grafton Jacaranda Festival to go ahead

There is blooming good news for the Clarence Valley. Following its unfortunate cancellation last year, the 2021 Grafton Jacaranda Festival will go ahead as a Covid-19 safe event and continue its 87-year tradition, while recognising some events are not possible due to the ongoing pandemic ... The Grafton Jacaranda Festival is the oldest floral festival in Australia and its broad appeal has cemented it as a must-do calendar event.