Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Lochy Elward

02/06/2026

A long overdue thank you following my Biggest Morning Tea 🫶🏽🥲

To say our community showed up and supported this event would be an understatement. The generosity shown throughout the day was truly incredible, and it reminded me just how much our little old Grafton community has to offer. WE RAISED JUST UNDER $2,000 😵🤯

A heartfelt thank you to every individual and family who went out of their way to bake, donate, and contribute goods for the morning tea. The amount of food that came through the doors was unbelievable, and every contribution helped make the day so special.

A shoutout to the chefs at the South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club for the delicious food provided on the day — your efforts and creativity did not go unnoticed.

To the small local businesses that jumped on board at such short notice to donate raffle prizes, thank you for your generosity and support. It helped bring even more excitement to the day and was greatly appreciated. Unfortunately due to the amount of people I can tag I am unable to tag everyone, so I’ll add those that donated on the day: Prince Street Barbers Birdscage Clothing & Gifts

I would also like to sincerely thank Bob Carnaby from the Prostate Group and Jeanette Nethercott from the Breast Cancer Group for the amazing insight, knowledge, and conversations shared with us. Your time and contribution added so much value to the day.

Lastly, a huge thank you to my employer/sponsor South Grafton Ex Servicemens Club and my incredible team for helping bring this event together and for the fantastic service provided to all patrons throughout the day. Events like this simply would not be possible without the people behind the scenes.

To everyone who attended, donated, supported, or played a role in making the day what it was — thank you. I am incredibly grateful and already looking forward to doing it all again next year.💜😁🙌🏽

28/05/2026

Kid needs to smile more 😅

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.

💜

20/05/2026

🚨 JUST A REMINDER — TOMORROW IS MY BIGGEST MORNING TEA!!! ☕💛

For just a gold coin donation, come along for a great cause, delicious goodies, great company, and the chance to help make a real difference in our community.

A HUGE thank you to all of our amazing local businesses and individuals for their generous support and donations towards the day — your kindness and community spirit truly means so much! 👏💛

🎟️ The raffle is a BIG part of the day, with some incredible prizes kindly donated by local businesses! Every ticket purchased helps raise vital funds for the Cancer Council, supporting those impacted by cancer, funding important research, and providing essential support services.

So bring your wallets, grab a raffle ticket (or a few 😉), and help us raise as much as possible for an amazing cause!

🚍 Need the courtesy bus?
Spots are limited, so make sure you book early: (02) 6642 1422

Whether you pop in for a cuppa, some tasty treats, or simply to support a cause close to so many hearts — we’d love to see you there. Every person who comes along helps make this event special 💛

20/05/2026

Oh wait… that’s TOMORROW!? 😅

Don’t stress, I’ve been busy behind the scenes (and covered in cheesecake ingredients 🍰😂).

Can’t wait to see everyone there — hope you come along, grab some goodies and enjoy the day

A few cups & tea towels left for purchase. If you cant make it to a morning tea but still want to support. Mugs $20 Tea Towels $15

19/05/2026

Great to attend the Grafton Chamber of Commerce breakfast this morning with my sponsor and employer, South Grafton Ex Servicemens Club.

Really inspiring hearing from past participants of the Clarence Valley Business Awards, with nominations for the 2025 awards closing on 27 May for anyone thinking of putting their hand up. Here is the link:

https://graftonchamberofcommerce.org.au/business-awards/

We also heard a Federal Budget wrap-up from Findex Grafton representative Glenn Thompson… safe to say it’s all a little more complicated than I first thought! 😅

Always lovely catching up with fellow Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Brooke Harvey. 💜

15/05/2026

Terrific morning !!!

What a ripper morning. CWA 100 year Cookbook Launch. A great joint venture with CWA & Serco. Thank you ladies.

14/05/2026

✨Have a look at this whooper of a burger✨

Come on down and sink your teeth into The Monty Melt burger 😋

🍔 A flavoured packed burger with cornflake crumbed chicken breast, maple bacon jam, melted Brie cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, aioli on a toasted Turkish roll and served with seasoned steak house chips

👑 Plus… $5 from every Monty Melt burger sold will be donated to our Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Arliah Montague

Book your table now 🍽️

14/05/2026

Nothing better than getting paid to pay other people 🤝💸

And just like me throwing money around, the South Grafton Ex Servicemens Club has more to offer than a million-dollar view, cheap beers, and great food — they love throwing money around too 💰🍻

Become a member and go in the draw every Friday & Saturday for your chance to win a stack of cash! - T&C’s must be there to win 😏

Congratulations to our winners 👏
• Tracey Gray
• Gary Ireland
• Simon

Thankyou for listening me ramble 🫶

12/05/2026

Biggest Morning Tea is coming up. Why not join us and this years Jacaranda Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Lochy Elward & Glen Price Next Thursday 1030am