Emma Pritchard

Grafton welcomes many visitors during the Jacaranda Festival.

On October 29, the Honourable Ben Franklin, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth, accompanied by Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis and The Nationals candidate for Clarence Richie Williamson, met 2021 Jacaranda Queen Hanna Craig and 2021 Jacaranda Princess Breeanna “Breeze” Paine under the blossoming jacaranda trees in Market Square ahead of the 2022 Westlawn Jacaranda Royal Party Crowning Ceremony.

The Minister said he was delighted to be in Grafton to see the beauty of the jacaranda trees and to meet Hanna and Breeze, who he described as proud ambassadors of the local community.

Prior to his departure, the Minister enjoyed a jacaranda ice cream at I Scream and a tour through the Jacaranda City.