Clarence Valley Independent

Print edition published every Wednesday

Distributed in the Clarence Valley and surrounding villages

Circulation of over 10,000 per issue
Tabloid

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Free prior to 8 May 2024

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Clarence Valley Independent articles

$5 million boost for nation’s largest modular social housing project in South Grafton

Contributor, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
A vacant block of land in Armidale Street, South Grafton owned by respected community and aged care housing provider, Clarence Village Limited, will soon house the largest modular social housing project in the nation ... “It will deliver 32 new self-contained one-bedroom social housing units designed specifically for older residents, with vulnerable single older women prioritised for the new homes,” Mr Williamson said.

Iluka’s top gun: Defence Force Chief of Capabilities Glen Braz

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
Iluka Public School alumni Glen Braz has risen through the ranks of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) over the past 39 years and last Friday he was appointed Defence Force Chief of Joint Capabilities. Born at Grafton Base Hospital, Glen’s mother Sue told the Clarence Valley Independent her son says he had “the ideal childhood” growing up at Iluka with his elder brother Mark.

Australian artist celebrates 100th birthday

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Arts
He flawlessly captures everyday life and nostalgic scenes of domestic and social euphoria perfectly in a variety of colours. And as he celebrated his 100th birthday on May 5, renowned Australian artist John Beeman is continuing to paint his own story.

Samuel Darke held a unique position

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
History & heritage
A Grafton man thought to be the last surviving link to an undercover British nuclear operation has passed away. Samuel Darke was a teenager when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and was subsequently given orders to participate in a top-secret mission known as Operation Totem where a pair of British atmospheric nuclear tests were conducted in the South Australian outback in October 1953.

ANZAC Day tribute at 2026 Grafton Show

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
A respectful silence fell across the Grafton Showground on the weekend as the Grafton Show Society commemorated Anzac Day with a small ceremony in the main arena ... a moving tribute to the Northern Rivers Lancers 15th Light Horse Regiment and the unique bonds shared between soldiers and their horses...
ANZAC Day tribute at Grafton Show

“Price crunch” – societal implications of conflict

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Agriculture
The economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East is and will continue to have wide ranging impacts on all facets of Australian society with costs increasing due to the nation’s reliance on trucks and diesel ... 71 years later, current owner Robert Blanchard said the industry is facing its toughest times in decades and his first diesel delivery since the Middle East crisis erupted was $68,000 more than in early March.

Council is running effectively – OLG

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
The Office of Local Government will take no action against Clarence Valley Council following a fact-finding mission triggered by a significant number of complaints. In November 2025, the OLG announced it would be conducting a review into Clarence Valley Council following multiple complaints and concerns about the operation of Council.

International affair at Highland Gathering

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Council
It was a truly international affair at the Maclean Highland gathering with competitors travelling from as far as Scotland, Canada, and New Zealand for the 121st event. Rain showers on both Friday and Saturday added a touch of Scottish ambience, said Lower Clarence Scottish Association Secretary Alister Smith, as people travelled from as far as Melbourne to enjoy the annual spectacle.

121st Maclean Highland Gathering

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Council
The Scottish town in Australia will come alive this weekend when the Lower Clarence Scottish Association presents the 121st Maclean Highland Gathering. On April 3 and 4, the sights and sounds of pipe bands and solo piping featuring some of Australia’s and the world’s best, will be complimented by the beauty and grace of highland dancing and the spectacular athleticism of the highland games.

Established in 1994 the Clarence Valley Independent (formerly the Clarence Valley Review) is a wide-spread, comprehensive news source, putting the community in touch with local affairs, council issues, and businesses.  

We pride ourselves on our quality, unbiased journalism, covering local issues. Community organisations turn to the Independent to provide a medium to reach the wider community. We believe we have always been, and will continue to be, the voice of our community.

The Clarence Valley Independent offers a positive reflection upon the community it serves. It is not constrained by any external corporate agenda and prides itself on its balanced reporting.

The paper is produced to high standards, combining interesting content, local news and sport and high quality graphic design.

The Clarence Valley Independent is published every Wednesday as full colour weekly tabloid. Our circulation is over 10,000 and is distributed widely throughout the Clarence Valley and surrounding villages.

In a time when newspapers are downsizing and going online, we strive to maintain a printed format we know works, especially on a local scale.

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