Three Jacaranda Queen candidates have entered the running for this year’s 82nd Jacaranda Festival in Grafton, from October 29 – November 6. Shannon Carter: Shannon said that she was born in Sydney and grew up in Grafton. “I have spent many years attending the Jacaranda festival with my family,” she said. “I am excited about entering as a Jacaranda Queen candidate and I hope the experience will help to boost my self confidence and personal development. “I have the pleasure of working in the Aged and Ability sector at CRANES and I absolutely love it. “I hope to inspire our clients to participate in the community and to follow their dreams; anything is possible if you set your mind to it.” “I look forward to promoting Grafton’s beauty while enjoying this journey with the lovely Sharni Wren and Georgia Woods.” Shannon is sponsored by CRANES Community Support Programs and Toast Espresso. Sharni Wren: “I grew up just outside of Grafton in Clarenza and I am currently living in Ulmarra,” said Sharni. “One of my fondest memories has been dressing up in purple for Jacaranda and going to the markets, watching the procession, the Crowning night and watching everyone on stage performing on Jacaranda Thursday and at the Venetian Carnival. “I work at Dougherty Villa Age Care Facility, as well as a consultant with Arbonne and I’m a volunteer with SES Ulmarra. “The residents of Dougherty Villa are very excited for me to be a Queen candidate this year. “My goals for this year are to build my self-confidence, to be a great ambassador for young people in Grafton and to help as many people as I can. I hope, to inspire young people by encouraging them to do their best, always be there and be someone to talk to if they need. To show, that even if life gets hard and scary that you can get through it. “I’m facing my fear of public speaking and hope it inspires others who have the same fear to give it a go. “My aim is to support and help people who have been bullied, by using my experience of what helped me and to make them feel better about themselves and to think positive so we don’t lose any more young people to suicide “In 2014 and 2016 I participated in the ‘World’s Greatest Shave’ for both my nans, Lola Ellem and June Wren who died in 2006 and 2015 from cancer and I’m so proud and happy that I did it. I’m very excited to be part of this year’s Jacaranda Queen Quest for 2016. Georgia Woods: “I would like to take the time to introduce myself and thank my amazing sponsor Elders Real Estate Grafton for allowing me the opportunity to participate as a 2016 Jacaranda Queen candidate,” said Georgia. “I have been living in Grafton since 2008 and attended Grafton High School, I graduated in 2015 and am currently working at Telstra in Grafton Shopping World. “I love Grafton and its community spirit especially when it comes to the festivities associated with Jacaranda. “I’ve always been interested in taking part in the festival.”