Emma Pritchard
Through the years, he became a familiar sight at some of the biggest events across the region. With his bright smile and undeniable sense of humour and community spirit, he was instantly recognisable and loved and appreciated by everyone who met him.
When news of his passing on April 12 was announced last week, Clarence Valley residents bowed their heads in sadness as collectively we remembered Patrick Francis Connelly as a larger-than-life identity, and a great friend to many.
Known simply as Pat, he was a regular attendee at the annual Grafton Jacaranda Festival where his portrayal of the famous Barry Humphries character Dame Edna Everage earned him widespread acclaim and admiration with locals and visitors alike.
Formally of Bangalow and Casino, he relocated to the Clarence Valley in 1969 and was deeply committed to his community and the people he cared for.
For over 50 years he was involved with countless charities and sporting organisations including volunteering with the Red Rock and Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club, the Grafton Hockey Association, and the Youth Suicide Prevention Program.
Along with being a mentor to First Nations people and local school students, Mr Connelly was also associated with Grafton U3A, Grafton PCYC, and Youth off the Streets, and he also donated his time to the Youth Suicide Program.
In 2019, he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in recognition of his community work, where he humbly stated he “didn’t want too much attention”, instead preferring to focus on people in need and helping to provide support services wherever necessary.
In 2020, he was announced as the joint recipient of the Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year award.
Describing the occasion as “unbelievable”, Mr Connelly revealed it was something he did not expect, or even think about, but said when something like that happens, “it’s a real buzz.”
“It makes you want to work harder,” he said.
“That’s the way I look at it.
“There are a lot of people who work hard that don’t get recognised, so I want to recognise them too.”
Mr Connelly participated in his final float procession during the 2019 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, delighting the crowds once again while dressed up as Dame Edna Everage.
He passed away peacefully earlier this month at Dougherty Villa Grafton, aged 84.