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Friday, November 21, 2025

Clarence Valley Independent

Publisher details

Print edition published every Wednesday

Distributed in the Clarence Valley and surrounding villages

Circulation of over 10,000 per issue
Tabloid

Digital editions available for purchase from the ARR.News Store

Free prior to 8 May 2024

Website with online news

Clarence Valley Independent articles

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Reinforcing the iconic Pacific Hotel

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Business
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

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Charity
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

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent -
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…”

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
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.

Grafton Jacaranda Festival set to bloom in 2025

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
As community excitement begins to grow as fast as the purple petals on the famous jacaranda trees which line the streets of Grafton start to blossom, thousands of visitors from across the country and overseas will journey to the Clarence Valley over the next two weeks to share in the history of the annual festivity while immersing themselves amongst local attractions and jollities throughout an exuberant 10 day program.

Council reported to ICAC over ‘wrecking ball’ email

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent -
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.

A meeting with the General Manager

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Council
The Clarence Valley Independent’s Grafton Journalist Emma Pritchard had an informal meeting with Clarence Valley Council (CVC) General Manager Laura Black last week on October 7 in relation to leaked internal emails which have been linked to the termination of more than 100 semi-permanent holiday caravans from four Council managed caravan parks and the subsequent community criticism Council is currently facing after many labelled the contents as inappropriate and insensitive.

It has been a long road back… but Yamba icon is on track to reopen

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Charity
When the ferocious winds and torrential rain of former tropical cyclone Alfred hit town in March 2025, a Yamba icon was left battered and sodden. Now, through community generosity, and the determination to continue the family’s legacy, the Yamba Cinema will reopen before Christmas.

“Inappropriate and insensitive”

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
Rodney Stevens and Emma Pritchard. A leaked internal Clarence Valley Council email concerning the award-winning Jacaranda Festival and the eviction of 136 semi-permanent caravans from Council managed caravan parks has been labelled ‘inappropriate’ and ‘insensitive’ by both the Mayor and a Jacaranda Festival Committee member.

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About the Clarence Valley Independent

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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