Grafton Jacaranda Festival

02/06/2026

Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Taylar McPherson
Sponsor: The Good Intent Hotel Grafton

Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?
Yes, Gamilaroi.

How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
I have had the pleasure of calling the Clarence home for 25 yrs and counting. Even when I was studying in Brisbane I would find myself in Grafton more often than not. Aside from being home to most of my favourite people as well as the spectacular Jacaranda trees that we base this festival around I love how central Grafton is to so many beautiful beaches and amazing rainforests whilst still being a short enough drive to the Gold Coast for theme parks, concerts, shopping and the like.

What do you love the most about living within a regional community?
Through first hand experience studying at The University of Queensland and working in Brisbane I quickly realised I was not built to live in the city. I love how much more interconnected regional communities are.

What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
The Jacaranda Festival is always something I have been passionate about but I never thought I would have enough confidence to go for candidacy. That being said after having
enough peer pressure applied I finally worked up the courage. I was also strongly motivated by watching the journey of my sister in law, Harmony Davies, last year.

As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
Most of all I am looking forward to my personal development over the course of the year. I think it will be a really good opportunity to overcome my fears and learn new skills as well as meet new people and give back to my community.

What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
My favourite memory is when my entire year 6 class met up for Jacaranda Thursday. Although I wouldn’t encourage such behaviour it was really fun chasing each other around
with shaving cream and silly string. As we matured this developed into my friend group shopping the markets each year, going on the ferris wheel and eating the obligatory pluto
pop. It has always been a day of great joy for me. Even leading up to Jacaranda Thursday we would tie dye shirts and paint our nails, anything we could to look more purple. In recent
years this passion has grown to me wearing purple to work for the entire Jacaranda season. Now this year I have started wearing a bit of purple every single day and I am so excited to
make more memories this year than ever before.

What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
It is by far Jacaranda Thursday, in fact, this has for a long time been my favourite day of the entire year. I just have so many fond memories attached to the day that I value it far more than Christmas, Easter or even my birthday.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I am really passionate about anime, manga and gaming (both video games and boardgames). I also enjoy hiking, running and going to the gym.

Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador?
Although the main aim of my journey is self growth, not a title, if I did win I would go by Queen. This is due to my respect towards the deep tradition behind the title of Jacaranda Queen. As a gender diverse individual I do not view these titles as gendered terms and would want to be crowned Queen even if I identified as a male.

Are there any words of encouragement you would like to extend to others who may be considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day?
I think this is a tricky question as it is only the start of my journey whereas I hope I will have a lot more wisdom at the end of the year. All I can say is never be afraid to put yourself out there and push past the limits of what you believe you are capable of. I believe that anyone with enough passion can be a fantastic Jacaranda candidate.

💜

01/06/2026

Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Natalie Waterhouse
Sponsor: Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse - Grafton

How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
Pretty much my whole life. I was born here, grew up here, and after a few years at University, returned here happily.

What do you love the most about living within a regional community?
The way we look out for each other. A few years ago I got a flat tire in South Grafton, on a side street, and four separate cars of people stopped to make sure I was alright, and then the owner of the house came out with a hydraulic jack to help.

What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
It is something I’ve wanted to do since 2005 when I was a little girl at Studio One Dance Academy holding the train of a Jacaranda Candidate as she walked on stage on the night of the Crowning.

As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
I am most excited to make new friends and learn more about my community. I want to be helpful and useful to something that has given me so much joy over the years.

What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
Waking up early with my friends to attend the free breakfast on Jacaranda Thursday before spending the whole day together. One year my Mum sewed me a blue Cinderella dress to wear to the Children’s Party, but I took so long getting ready that I missed it.

What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
I love the TAFE markets. You meet people you haven’t seen for years there, and there are lots of interesting stalls and local music.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I am a passionate snorkeller, I can snorkel for hours. I also love reading, crochet, spinning and embroidery although I am very slow. I am a member of the Grafton Gem Club and I love playing DnD.

Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador?
Queen

Are there any words of encouragement you would like to extend to others who may be considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day?
If you are concerned that people may judge you for who you are, let them judge. Who you are is already a valuable member of our community. Your worth is inherent, why not have some fun and try something new.

💜

31/05/2026

Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Ella Lawrence
Sponsor: Grafton District Golf Club The Clubhouse Bistro and Grill

Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin? Yes, I am aboriginal.

How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
I have lived in Grafton for 21 years. I was born and raised in Grafton my whole childhood has been in Grafton and I have never left and what makes it special is how the whole community gets together for events and how we have so much history in a little town that I am proud to call my home.

What do you love the most about living within a regional community?
Getting to see community members go out of their way to help each other out and know that they will have your back.

What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
I have done Grafton show girl and done citizen of the year and this year I wanted to do something different.

As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
Getting to see how much I grow and how far I get and getting to go to the crowning.

What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
Getting do Jacaranda Thursday with my family and my nan before she sadly passed away.

What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
I love the floats and getting to see the different styles of floats there is each year.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Some of my hobbies are dancing and helping out in community I will go and take my little sausage dog up to the nursing homes so she can visit the people in there.

Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador?
Queen

Are there any words of encouragement you would like to extend to others who may be considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day?
My words of encouragement are it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone you will meet new people and learn new skills when you step out of your comfort zone.

💜

31/05/2026

29/05/2026

Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Caitlin Grainger
Sponsor: Clarence Valley Drama and Roches Family Hotel

How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
I have lived in the Clarence Valley my whole life, and I honestly could not imagine growing up anywhere else.

What do you love the most about living within a regional community?
Living and working in a regional community is such a special experience. Whether it is netball, nature, community events or simply the people around you, everyone contributes to what makes Grafton what it is, and I think that is pretty amazing to be a part of.

What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
As a teacher in a regional community, you become a role model for students. Kids pick up on so much and can be inspired by the people around them. The impact a teacher can have is immense and can leave a lasting influence. Alongside teaching, I also coach a junior netball team for S&S Netball Club. Whether I am coaching or teaching in local schools, my biggest focus is encouraging young people to give things their best go and to back themselves. That is something I aspire to bring into my candidacy as well.

As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
I am really looking forward to meeting new people, working alongside my sponsors Clarence Valley Drama and Roches Family Hotel Grafton, and bringing my crazy and unique fundraiser ideas to life. I am also excited to experience more of the behind-the-scenes side of Jacaranda that I did not get to see when I participated in Junior Jacaranda.

What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
My favourite Jacaranda memory would have to be with my late nanny. Like most kids, I always wanted to know how far away my birthday was, and she used to tell me that when the jacaranda flowers came out, it meant my birthday was close. It is a memory that has always stayed with me. I also participated in Junior Jacaranda and the Jacaranda Fashion Parade. Watching my dad’s fully choreographed catwalk was both incredibly embarrassing and very memorable.

What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
Jacaranda Thursday is definitely my favourite event. I was actually born on Jacaranda Thursday in 2004, which is a pretty fun fact about me. I also own my own small business and run a stall at local markets. I love seeing people express themselves creatively through their businesses and passions.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I have a lot of interests and hobbies. I am an animal lover, especially cats, and I enjoy art and drama. I love playing and coaching netball, gardening, and spending time looking after my huge collection of indoor plants and veggie garden. At the moment, my cucumbers and basil are thriving.

Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador?
Queen

Are there any words of encouragement you would like to extend to others who may be considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day?
Just give it a go. You never know what you might discover about yourself. You will never know unless you apply and applying is the very first step.

💜

28/05/2026

Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Arliah Montague
Sponsor: Village Green Hotel Grafton NSW

How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
I’ve lived in the Clarence Valley since 2018 and love the strong sense of community, beautiful river, and how everyone supports one another.

What do you love the most about living within a regional community?
I love how connected everyone is and how local people always come together to support events, businesses, and each other.

What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, represent my community, and be more involved in such an iconic local festival.

As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
Meeting new people, making memories, and being involved in community events throughout the festival.

What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
Being a part of the splash of tartan, spending time with family and friends.

What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
The Float Parade and the live entertainment throughout the festival.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Music, event planning, social media, supporting local artists, and spending time with friends
and family.

Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador? Queen

Are there any words of encouragement you would like to extend to others who may be considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day?
Go for it! It’s an amazing opportunity to grow your confidence, meet incredible people, and give back to your community.

💜

27/05/2026

Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Lochy Elward
Sponsor: South Grafton Ex Servicemens Club

How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
I moved to Grafton at 3 months old from western Australia; what makes Clarence Valley so special to me is how I have left a couple of times for university and somehow always welcomed back with open arms. The constant support we provide is truly incredible.

What do you love the most about living within a regional community? I love how it creates a ‘closer together’ community; I’ve lived in the city twice for university and it lacks the feeling of community support due to its large diversity and population. There are always people at pubs and cafes but if you notice closely its sectioned to groups of who knows who, in the Clarence Valley, you don’t see that, people support people no matter what.

What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
From a young age I have always attended the festival itself and as I grew in my field of work I got to understand a little more about how the festival contributes to the community through its candidates. Because of my social butterfly personality, I figured I’d be a great addition to help promote our amazing festival.

As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
I would like to say minimal stress and extra sleep, but I believe that won’t happen; for me it’s about bringing the community together and showing how supportive and great we are whether it’s for local businesses, individuals or groups.

What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
I think my favourites have been the ones where I have attended with my little sister, she is a little chaotic, asks for just about anything in sight and is a sweet treat addict but I always get a good laugh out of it.

What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
It may not be the most exciting, but I enjoy the floats the most; I used to always participate whether it be with a sporting club or with my school, I always used to play Where’s Wally and see who I knew on the side of the streets. Now I play from the sidelines and see how creative the floats have gotten since I was young.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I dabble in just about everything, do I enjoy everything, yes for about 15 minutes before I’m off to try something new.

Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador?
There is a running joke with a few patrons at my work as well as family and friends that say I'm a bit of a drama queen and that queen is most fitting. However, I believe King is my calling.

Are there any words of encouragement you would like to extend to others who may be considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day?
I would say from my current experience; it's awesome, everyone is super supportive, friendly and makes you feel welcomed and if you enjoy tradition and community then it’s for you. It’s rather easy because of the past knowledge and experience previous candidates have to offer and the motivation the committee and past royal parties provide.

💜

26/05/2026

Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Reny Foster
Sponsor: Crown Hotel Motel

How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
I’ve lived in and around the Clarence Valley for nearly ten years, and over that time it’s truly
become home. What makes it such a special place is the strong sense of community, people genuinely care about one another and always rally behind each other when it matters most. It’s a place where connections feel real and lasting. Some of the best
memories and moments of my life have been made here, and that shared spirit is what makes the Clarence Valley so unique and meaningful to me.

What do you love the most about living within a regional community?
Having always lived in small regional and remote towns, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the lifestyle and values that come with it. I’m especially passionate about small communities and agriculture, and I love how closely connected people are to the land and to each other. What I enjoy most about living in a regional community is the genuine sense of belonging, people look out for one another, lend a hand when it’s needed, and take pride in supporting local farmers and businesses. There’s a strong work ethic, a shared resilience, and a slower pace of life that allows you to really value what matters. It’s a way of life that feels grounded, authentic, and incredibly rewarding.

What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
When I became a new mum, I was often told and kept hearing that mums can’t achievebig things or take part in community events because it’s just too challenging. That never felt
like me, and I really wanted to challenge and break that stigma. I believe mums are capable of so much, and I wanted to show that you can still pursue goals, be involved, and give back to your community. I had also always promised my gran that one day I would run for Jacaranda so she could
watch and cheer me on. Sadly, after she suffered a stroke late last year, I lost the opportunity for her to see me take this step. That’s been a big part of my motivation, I’m doing this in her honour as much as for myself. At the same time, I wanted to meet new people, make some great friendships, and simply have fun along the way. Becoming a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate felt like the perfect opportunity to do all of that while also pushing myself outside my comfort zone and representing something I truly believe in.

As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, I’m most looking forward to the journey itself, the challenges, the triumphs, and all the laughs along the way. I’m excited to step outside my comfort zone, embrace every opportunity, and create meaningful memories throughout the experience. It’s the people I’ll meet, the moments we’ll share, and the growth that comes with it all that I’m truly looking forward to.

What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
Some of my favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals have definitely been participating in the float parade. I’ve always loved the opportunity to represent different groups I’m passionate about, it’s such a fun and rewarding experience. I also truly loved cracking the whip down the main street and hearing everyone laugh and cheer. Moments like that really capture the joy and community spirit of the festival.

What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
It is always so hard to pick just one event but I can easily give a top three, The Ball because it is always a night of fun and who doesn't love getting dressed to the nines for a great night out.
The Crowning night as there is always this little bit of magic and enthusiasm in the air that is almost infectious. And lastly the float parade because it truly highlights all of the amazing groups that make our community what it is.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Some of my hobbies and interests include dancing, which was a major part of my life for 15
years and something I still hold close to my heart. I also love playing music and, at one
stage, could play around 14 different instruments, although I’ll admit I’m a little rusty on afew now. Alongside that, I really enjoy horse riding and anything creative or crafty.

Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador?
I would be truly honoured to receive the title of Jacaranda Queen.

Any words of encouragement for those considering entering?
If you’re considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day, my encouragement is simple, go for it. Don’t let doubt or what others say about what you “can’t do” hold you back. As a new mum, I was often told opportunities like this would be too hard, but I’ve learned that’s not true. Coming from small regional communities has shown me the strength, support, and connection that make experiences like this so special. It’s not just about the title, it’s about the friendships, confidence, and memories you gain along the way. Step outside your comfort zone, back yourself, and enjoy every moment. It’s an experience
you’ll never forget.

💜

25/05/2026

Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Brooke Harvey
Sponsor: Grafton & District Funerals and Grafton Midday Rotary

How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
I’ve been lucky enough to call the Clarence Valley home my entire life. After school, I met my husband and followed life a little further down river to Maclean.
Even so, Grafton still feels like the centre of everything for me it’s where I work, where my family is, and where so many of my friendships were built.

What do you love the most about living within a regional community?
How connected everyone is & always willing to help. Being involved in groups like Grafton Midday Rotary, I’ve seen firsthand how much people give back through volunteering and fundraising. In a smaller town, you really get to know the people around you and if someone needs a hand, you don’t think twice, you just help. That genuine sense of community is what makes it so special.

What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
I’d thought about nominating for a long time, but I think like a lot of people, confidence held me back. This year, I realised that sometimes the only thing stopping you is yourself and with it being my last year to nominate, I knew I didn’t want to look back and wish I had given it a go. I’m really excited to be stepping outside my comfort zone, challenging myself, and making the most of the opportunity.

As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
What I’m looking forward to most is continuing to build meaningful connections within the community. Through my work as a funeral director, I’ve had the privilege of being part of
many people’s final farewells, including those who were deeply involved in the Jacaranda Festival. Something that has always stayed with me is how often their Jacaranda experiences are shared as some of their most special memories. Hearing that through families’ words has really inspired me. It’s made me want to experience it for myself - to be part of something so meaningful, and one day be able to share my own story of what the Jacaranda journey meant to me.

What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
My favourite Jacaranda memories come from different stages of my life. As a child, it was school floats and family traditions like heading to Market Square for a Dagwood dog with my Pop.
As I got older, it was the excitement of going to the Venetian Carnival and Jacaranda Thursdays with friends. Now, it’s attending different events and staying involved in something
that means so much to our community.

What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
My favourite events change each year, but I’ve always loved the Jacaranda Float Parade, especially as my dad was involved in helping drive floats growing up. Jacaranda Thursday is always a highlight, and I love that the festival has something for
everyone - from family events like the Venetian Carnival to events that the candidates organise.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy a mix of both quiet time at home and getting out and about. I love being at home crocheting, cooking, gardening, and working on little DIY projects around the house - especially having my 2 labradors Bear & Koda by my side the entire time. At the same time, I really value time with my friends and family whether that’s going out for brunch, heading to the beach, or taking a day trip somewhere together.

Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador?
If I’m fortunate enough to be crowned at the 2026 Jacaranda Festival, I would be honoured to take on the title of Jacaranda Queen.

Are there any words of encouragement you would like to extend to others who may be considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day?
My advice would be to just go for it! No matter how scared or unsure you feel, don’t let that hold you back. I put it off for years because of self-doubt, and I wish I hadn’t. Already, this experience has introduced me to so many supportive and encouraging people. Everyone genuinely wants you to succeed, and you’re welcomed with open arms.

💜

25/05/2026

🎬 ULTIMATE MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT 🍿

📍The Good Intent Hotel Grafton
📆 Saturday June 20th
⏰ 7pm
🎟️ $10 entry pp
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 2-6 people per team
🏆 Prizes and bragging rights up for grabs!

Grab your friends together, dress as your favourite characters and come along for an unforgettable night. ✨

Booking are essential so make sure you secure your spot at:
https://tableagent.com/gold-coast/good-intent-hotel/

💜 Come along and support this fundraiser for Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Taylar McPherson!