Emma Pritchard

Iconic ABC radio presenter and popular singer-songwriter Ian “Macca” McNamara was welcomed to Grafton last week after making “a last-minute decision” to visit during the 2023 Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

After driving north overnight from Sydney, Macca caught up with fellow ABC radio personality Bridie Tanner, who grew up in Grafton, as she was presenting the Breakfast Show for ABC North Coast from Prince Street amidst Jacaranda Thursday festivities on November 2.

After being presented with a Grafton Jacaranda Festival shirt, and graciously being bestowed the honour of wearing the original 1989 Jacaranda Queen sash worn by Ms Tanner’s mother Fiona Stone, Macca spent time meeting and speaking with a number of locals and visitors throughout the morning.

Humorously given the moniker ‘Macca at Jaca’ by Ms Tanner, the presence of the radio stars in Grafton quickly engaged an attentive crowd of onlookers.

Macca also shared fond memories of his recent visit to Grafton with listeners during his weekly Australia All Over program on November 5.