AI. Friend or foe? An insider’s perspective
The rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across society in the past few years has both its benefits, and downfalls, which could change the way our communities are today. The Clarence Valley Independent spoke to a Northern River’s based tech expert, who is a husband, father, and computer programmer, about the explosion in society of AI.
Celebrating the life of Nathon “Wombat” Houghton
More than 1,500 people gathered at Brooms Head last Saturday, drawn together by love, loss and shared memories, to celebrate the life of local legend Nathon "Wombat" Houghton. In just ten short days, a group of close friends rallied together to organise a farewell that truly reflected the man Wombat was — open-hearted, inclusive and deeply connected to the ocean.
Review slams Council – Office of Local Government to recommend actions
The culture, staff conduct, loss of public trust, disorder at meetings, and a lack of transparency and accountability were all issues identified by the Office of Local Government in a review into Clarence Valley Council. In November, the Office of Local Government (OLG) announced it would be conducting a review into Clarence Valley Council. “In recent months, the Office of Local Government has received multiple complaints and concerns about the operation of Clarence Valley Council,” an OLG spokesperson said.
“Elementary”, Minister Moriarty – Buyback offer “embarrassing”
After requesting a buyback offer of up to $20 million for fishermen to exit the industry, the Clarence Prawn Trawl committee say NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty's offer is embarrassing. Last Wednesday afternoon, CVI was contacted by Minister Moriarty's office with news that the NSW Government would commit $4.5 million toward buybacks for the prawn trawl industry.
A wave of success
When Shayne Sutherland and his partner Courtney Ann started Surf Camp Down Under, they had the goal of becoming the best surf school in Australia, and on Saturday night their ambitions were realised. Surf Camp Down Under was awarded the Surf School of the Year award at the 2025 Australian Surfing Awards...
Reinforcing the iconic Pacific Hotel
The 91-year-old Pacific Hotel is undergoing multi-million-dollar stabilisation works designed to future proof the iconic Yamba pub that was lauded as being "the most perfectly appointed place of all seaside resorts north of Sydney” when it opened in 1934.
Yamba Rod Run record – 511 entrants and thousands of admirers
Yamba was abuzz over the weekend as thousands of people enjoyed the 32nd Borderline Street Rodders Yamba Rod Run and the record 511 entrants who came from as far as Tasmania and Cairns to be a part of the fun. Saturday morning saw the traditional Show and Shine at Ford Park where almost 500 cars wowed the huge crowds from 9am until midday.
Mayor stands firm behind GM
Mayor Ray Smith has acknowledged his full support for Clarence Valley Council General Manager (GM) Laura Black, following a speech in the NSW upper house by Green’s Local Government spokesperson, Dr Amanda Cohn. Following the October 23 speech and subsequent fallout reported in local media, Cr Smith called an extraordinary meeting on November 3, at 11am, in the Grafton Chambers to address Dr Cohn’s speech.
“Damning” – Council controversy raised in NSW parliament: “When will Clarence Valley Council be held to account…”
The controversy enveloping Clarence Valley Council was raised in the NSW Legislative Council last week, when Dr Amanda Cohn unleashed her opinion under parliamentary privilege, putting local Government Minister Ron Hoenig on notice. The statement follows the polarising “Wrecking Ball” leaked internal Clarence Valley Council email concerning a ‘suggested’ Council staff skit in the award-winning Jacaranda Festival.
Council reported to ICAC over ‘wrecking ball’ email
The fallout from the controversial ‘wrecking ball’ email continues weeks after it was leaked to the media, as Clarence Valley Council has been reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Clarence Valley Semi-Permanent Van Group Inc. spokesperson Simon Chase says he has commenced proceedings for alleged defamation against General Manager Laura Black.