Find some familiar faces at Grafton Library this Jacaranda.

Thanks to the generous contribution of Councillor Jeff Smith, the library is excited to present its latest exhibition on our Jacaranda Queens. This exhibition consists of a beautiful collection of Jacaranda Queen portrait photos throughout the Jacaranda Festival’s history. Including signed photographs starting with Queen Charlotte from 2015 onwards.

Through the extraordinary efforts of Councillor Smith over a period of nine months, an image of a Queen for every year was located. With images sourced from The Clarence River Historic Society, The Daily Examiner, Grafton Fast Photos, Grafton Jacaranda Festival, private collections and from the queen candidates themselves.

The collection may seem a little familiar to local ice-cream lovers, as it was previously displayed for 8 years in Councillor Smith’s former business. Councillor Smith has commented, “Every second person in Grafton seems to have a connection: sister, mother, next door neighbour, went to school with…Locals like to reminisce, and visitors find the whole concept of a Jacaranda Royalty fascinating.”

The collection will be displayed until the 20th of November. Whether you’re familiar or seeing the Jacaranda Queens for the first time, it’s well worth a visit to Grafton Library to immerse yourself in the Jacaranda Festival’s royal past.