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We are proud to announce Gavin Rayward has been named the Clarence Valley’s 2025 Citizen of the Year at a ceremony held at Grafton District Golf Club on Thursday, 23 January 2025.
Gavin was nominated for his dedication to promoting outdoor activities and mental health in the Clarence Valley, where he has organised numerous events to engage people of all ages and abilities, such as Street-O orienteering event in Grafton and traditional orienteering events in Bom Bom State Forest since 2013.
Eleven nominations were received in the Citizen of the Year category, four nominations in the Young Citizen of the Year, four nominations for the Community Achievement Award, and six Local Hero nominations, highlighting the incredible contribution and impacts made by our community.
Read about all of the nominee's achievements below in the souvenir program.
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Clarence Valley - Community Views
In October and November, Informed Decisions were engaged by Clarence Valley Council to conduct a standardised survey of more than 500 residents, ensuring a representative sample both geographically and demographically of residents across the Clarence Valley.
Community Views is the newest product under the Informed Decisions (iD) suite of tools available to Clarence Valley Council and the community to make better and more informed decisions.
Specifically, Community Views allow decision-makers to measure the positive impact or benefits that policies generate for society, beyond purely economic considerations including:
- Values and experience
- Health and wellbeing
- Financial circumstances
- Climate change
- Concerns and ideas
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Karrikin awarded Chefs Hat
Australian Good Food Guide have announced as the 2025 Chef Hat Award winner, a local favourite Karrikin Yamba.
Being awarded a chef hat is a high honour in a chef's career and a notable achievement in a restaurant's history. The prestigious 'hats' are presented by the Australian Good Food Guide, who use precise award criteria on ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency, on food alone.
Born in the beauty and fire of new beginnings, Karrikin restaurant on Coldstream Street in Yamba offers an ever-changing four-course set menu, crafted from local, seasonal produce and foraged delicacies. Named for the proteins that bind to soil and renew life in the aftermath of smoke and bushfire, this elegant space blends a cool colour palette with dark wood, artwork and softly glowing pendents to set the scene for inspired dining. Taking cues from native surroundings, expect starting plates that excite and tempt the taste buds such as octopus, beetroot and cherry; before larger choices like beef rump cap, corn, peach and a side of pumpkin, garlic and herbs, or fish, broccoli, fennel and citrus. Divine desserts such as lemon myrtle and finger lime cream pie will delight sweet tooths.
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This session, aimed at local businesses, organisations, and stakeholders, will be led by Glenn Capuano from id (Informed Decisions). He will deliver a briefing on the “State of the Region” economic overview, highlighting key trends and data to empower stakeholders in grant applications, project planning, and community research.
🎉 Join Us for an Informative Session!
📅 Date: Thursday, 6 February
⏰ Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Grafton Council Chambers or Online
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We invite you to an information session near you, to find out about the new Business Beyond Disasters program and the valuable benefits it offers.
The information session will cover everything businesses need to know about the Business Beyond Disasters training – why it’s important, how it works and when you can get started.
This is a great chance to connect with your local business community over light refreshments to hear about this new approach for business resilience. Representatives from key agencies and emergency services will be at the information sessions to talk with and share updates on adaptation planning from the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).
Grafton Information Session
📅 Date: Wednesday, 26 February
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
📍 Location: Grafton District Services Club
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Navigating Casual Employment - Online Event
With recent changes to casual employment, the NSW Small Business Commission invites the Fair Work Ombudsman to provide an overview of the new Closing Loopholes laws and what they mean for your small business.
Join the NSW Small Business Commission to host the Fair Work Ombudsman for a free online session on casual employment changes on Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 7pm.
In this one-hour session hear about key topics including changes to the casual employment definition, casual conversion entitlements, sham arrangements, and the Casual Employment Information Statement.
This is your chance to hear from the Fair Work Ombudsman directly and ensure your small business is compliant with the latest laws.
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First Nations Cultural and Engagement Protocol information sessions
Council is currently putting together a First National Cultural and Engagement Protocol and is looking to hear from First Nations people living within the Clarence Valley.
Come have your say and learn more about the Protocol at an information session:
- Grafton - Monday 3 February, 10am - midday at Grafton Council Chambers, 2 Prince Street, Grafton.
- Maclean - Monday 10 February, 10am - midday at Nungera Hall, Jubilee Street, Maclean.
- Yamba - Monday 17 February, 10am - midday at Wooli Street Hall, Wooli Street, Yamba.
RSVP by contacting Gloria Hennessey on 02 6643 0846 |
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Service NSW Business Connect
Service NSW Business Connect can support you at every stage of your business journey.
You can get free, tailored business advice in one-on-one sessions on topics such as business planning, marketing and cash flow from independent advisors who have experience in running their own businesses.
You can also access online resources at any time and attend in-person and online events for practical tips.
Services are available across NSW, provided by approved independent organisations. Businesses in all industries can access up to 8 hours of support each financial year, subject to availability.
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Inspired by our certified operators, we have outlined five impactful steps you can take to make your business more sustainable in the coming year, improve your reputation, and attract more eco-friendly travellers.
Find out more in the latest Ecotourism Australia latest article here. |
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Supporting small businesses
The NSW Small Business Commission has launched a new Digital Platforms Hub to help small businesses that depend on digital platforms, such as online marketplaces and other online services, to operate their business. The new Digital Platforms Hub includes:
- A guide for small businesses to help get the most out of digital platforms
- Pathways to access support from the NSW Small Business Commission when encountering challenges or disputes
- Model practices and procedures to promote improved experiences for small businesses.
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Set yourself up for success this new year. The NSW Government has multiple programs designed to help you expand and grow your business in 2025, including:
- Financial incentives to hire an apprentice or a trainee.
- Help to set your business up to export products and services internationally
- Fee-free short courses in digital or construction.
- Free local, independent advisory sessions, events and resources on business planning, marketing and cash flow.
Get in touch with the Service NSW Business Bureau to take advantage of these and many other valuable government programs
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2025 Training Needs Survey
Destination North Coast NSW are eager to understand what training programs will most benefit the North Coast tourism industry and stakeholders. Your feedback is essential in helping us deliver effective training programs that meet you where you are and support you in reaching your goals.
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Clarence Valley Special Event Sponsorship
Are you planning an event for the Clarence Valley that will attract visitors and wow them so much they’ll want to come back again and again? If the answer is yes, you may be eligible for our event sponsorship program. To check, read through our guidelines.
Round 1 is for events taking place between August 2025 and February 2026, applications open 1 March 2025.
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A hub for all grants
Clarence Valley Grant Finder is a free service that provides a comprehensive list of funding and grant opportunities for local businesses, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and individuals.
Register to receive email alerts for new grants, save your favourites, and access tips to help you apply for grants. We are proud to partner with GrantGuru to bring you this service and offer our top tips and grant writers to support your applications.
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If you see a new business pop up, please let us know so we can reach out to support them. You can direct them to our newsletter here.
Don't forget to order your brochures, Visitors Guides and maps directly from our Tourism Team by completing this order form.
May your coffee be strong, your Wi-Fi be fast, and your ideas unstoppable!
Regards, Karlie Potter
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