There were plenty of engaging discussions in the Clocktower Hotel last week when the Grafton Chamber of Commerce hosted its first breakfast meeting of 2023 on February 15.

Describing the attendance as amazing as the room began to fill with participants, Grafton Chamber of Commerce President Natasha Watkinson said the chamber is gearing up for another busy year, and she is looking forward to working closely with local businesses throughout the next 12 months.

The first guest speaker for the morning, Clarence Valley Council (CVC) General Manager Laura Black, took the opportunity to encourage attendees to familiarise themselves with the Rediscover Grafton project, and spoke of the need to facilitate change in the area.

Referring to the Pacific Highway bypass which opened in recent years as a key component in the reduction of traffic and tourism through Grafton, Ms Black said it is important to continue to showcase Grafton as a tourist destination.

“We want people to come to Grafton and rediscover new things about the community,” she said.

“Rediscover Grafton is about people hanging around, spending more time in the main street, and supporting our local businesses.

“That’s what we want to see happen.

“Council is focusing on raising the profile of community engagement and revitalising Prince Street.

“This is a trial which is scheduled to end around Easter this year.”

At its conclusion, Ms Black said council will look to see what introductions made during the trial could be implemented on a permanent basis.

Grafton Jacaranda Festival Manager Mark Blackadder also shared some exciting news with attendees during the morning when he announced popular singers and songwriters Troy Cassar-Daley and Don Walker will perform at River Dreaming, the opening event of the 2023 Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

“Hopefully Jem, (Cassar-Daley), Troy’s daughter can also perform during the festival and maybe even open the show,” he said hopefully.

“It’s going to be such an amazing event this year.”