Emma Pritchard

Hundreds of early risers licked their lips in hunger as they lined up from 5am on Jacaranda Thursday (October 31) for the Free Community Breakfast during the 2024 Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

Hosted by 2GF and the Clarence Valley Independent, close to 200 loaves of bread, more than 1500 eggs, and 3000 sausages were cooked and served (and devoured) during the morning, with eager diners forming an orderly queue which stretched from Grafton’s Market Square all the way down Prince Street towards the Clarence River.

While the event has established a loyal following throughout the years, there was once again plenty of friendly rivalry between the teams from 2GF and the Clarence Valley Independent as they demonstrated their best sausage frying skills and bread stacking abilities, and good-naturedly battled for bragging rights and possession of the illustrious Golden Tongs trophy.

Gracious in defeat last year, the 2GF team celebrated a hard-fought victory in 2024, reclaiming the Golden Tongs in a hotly contested cook-off with the official winning margin declared to be one sausage.

As she cheered loudly, 2GF Breakfast Show Announcer Misty Fisher said it was wonderful to see so many people come along for the event, with many dressed in purple attire to commemorate the occasion.

“The breakfast was fantastic, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, everyone was out and about, it was fantastic,” she said.

“We loved working alongside the team from the Clarence Valley Independent, and we’d also like to thank all the local businesses for their generous donations in support of the Free Community Breakfast.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without them.”

As the last sausage was lifted off the barbeque, Geoff Jones from Holiday Coast Meats said the event definitely attracted a bigger crowd this year compared to 2023.

“I couldn’t see the end of it,” he said of the line-up for the Free Community Breakfast.

“It was great to be part of the event once again, and to see so many people with smiles on their faces enjoying themselves, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

While fruit platters and cold drinks were also available for diners during the morning, seven-year-old Matilda Crayford said all she wanted to eat was as many eggs and sausages as she could fit in her stomach.

“They were so yummy,” she said.

“I think I ate three eggs and four sausages, but I lost count.

“I definitely want to go back to the Free Community Breakfast next year.”

As they handed over the Golden Tongs and congratulated staff from 2GF, the Clarence Valley Independent team said they will do everything they can to bring the trophy back to their office in Yamba in 2025.

The 2GF Clarence Valley Independent Free Community Breakfast was made possible thanks to the generous support of local businesses including Holiday Coast Meats, Farmer Lous, Mid Coast Eggs, Grafton Hire, Norco, Woolworths Grafton, and ELGAS.