Join the emu parade
Geoff Helisma. According to Clarence Valley Council there are fewer than 50 coastal emus remaining along the east coast of Australia and only 36 individuals in the Taloumbi/Tyndale/Pillar Valley region, if the estimates in CVC’s Natural Resource Management Coastal Emus: Sighting Data Analysis, July 2020 are correct.
Marise Payne encourages Clarence Valley women to aim high and be brave
Emma Pritchard. Grafton welcomed a special visitor ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8 when Senator the Honourable Marise Payne, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women spent a few hours meeting local women in business, school students and community members at a gathering at the Grafton District Services Club last week. Describing herself as very proud and privileged to have the opportunity of meeting so many Clarence Valley women, Senator Payne spoke of her ongoing career as a woman in politics and her passion for engaging with other women and encouraging them to pursue their ambitions.
Stealthy sea life swims among surfers
Geoff Helisma. It was just like any other day at Pippi Beach, Yamba, on Saturday February 27; the sun was shining, the waves were breaking and the wind was favourable ... as a shark swam among surfers for at least 20 minutes – and no one noticed or, if they did, they didn’t care.
Street art community thrives at Grafton ArtJam
The weather Gods dished up a downpour last Saturday, just as the inaugural ArtJam was due to kick off at the Grafton Bridge Precinct. Despite the deluge, which forced the cancellation of art workshops and sent the food vans home early, a significant body of new street art was added to this informal art gallery.
Hogan: airport still commercially viable
Geoff Helisma. Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan says he believes that the Clarence Valley Regional and Lismore airports are “still commercially viable”. The Independent emailed an enquiry to Mr Hogan’s office, asking for comment about Rex withdrawing from its Grafton and Lismore routes.
The Rexit affair
Geoff Helisma. Clarence Valley Council is hoping that Page MP Kevin Hogan can help fill the hole left by Rex regional airline’s announcement that it will cease operating its Sydney to Grafton and Lismore routes as of Friday March 26.
Freight train derails at Nana Glen
Emma Pritchard. A Melbourne bound freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed near Morrows Road at Nana Glen, roughly 50km south of Grafton last week, with one locomotive coming to rest on its side and several wagons scattered abruptly throughout nearby paddocks. The incident occurred shortly after 2am on February 25, following torrential rain and flash flooding throughout the region.
Magpies prepare to fly into a ‘new era’
Geoff Helisma. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic came close to stopping the Northern Rivers Regional Rugby League (NRRRL) from holding its competitions and, as a result, the Lower Clarence Magpies didn't field first grade, reserve grade and U18 teams in the shortened season. This year, head coach Carl Press says his "main aim is to get competitive teams on the park".
