Ferry’s demise inspires ferry exhibition

By Tim Howard

Just months after the controversial closure of the 130-year-old ferry crossing at Ulmarra the Clarence is about to get a reminder of the importance of river crossing in the regions.

On Thursday the Clarence River Historical Society will open its latest exhibit: Vehicular Boats of Grafton, South Grafton and Surrounds.

Society president Steve Tranter said the exhibition had been inspired by the demise of the Ulmarra Ferry and a need the society saw to celebrate the importance and history of crossing the region’s waterways.

He said Transport for NSW had been keen to memorialise the ferry and had made available some artefacts from the 70-year-old vessel decommissioned in June.

“They offered us the anchor, but that would have been too large and bulky,” he said.

“But they have provided the ferry lighting system, a set of lights that changed colour depending on which direction the ferry was heading.”

Ulmarra Ferry

He said the exhibition would also feature a lot of information on the history of ferries in the Clarence.

“Vehicular boats provided a service from roughly 1859 to 1932 and over that long period of time saw the changing face of transport,” he said.

Before then the rowing boat was king as the growing population in Grafton and South Grafton sought ways to get themselves and good across the Clarence River.

“In those times and you either paid the owner to cross with your possessions or if you were wealthy, you would employ someone to ferry you across in a boat that you owned, possibly a servant of yours,” Mr Tranter said.

“Where your possessions were too big to be contained in a small boat, rafts have been documented as being used in early times.”

Mr Tranter said the society’s records revealed some surprising developments in ferry transport from the time of the first specialised vehicular ferry in 1861.

Ulmarra Ferry

“The first specialised vehicular ferry was introduced in 1861,” he said.

“It was worked by hand with Charles Matthews in charge and replaced an 1859 makeshift that was propelled across the river by hauling on a thick hemp or coir rope.

“In 1867 this punt was replaced by a steam vehicular ferry which arrived by ship from Sydney in pieces and was then assembled at the foot of Villiers Street before being launched.

John Kilton Andrews was the new punt’s master, but, in Bates and Mackey’s words, it ‘wasn’t very popular with residents as it was very noisy and could be heard for miles away and when it started it sent clouds of black soot all over its passengers’.

“The reason why it was so noisy was that its engine drove a cog which engaged what the Clarence and Richmond Examiner’s first editor described as ‘a great clanking chain’.

“It does not take much imagination to appreciate the rattling of the chain as it was guided by runners to engage, like a great bicycle chain, with the grinding teeth of the steam-driven cog.

Ulmarra Ferry

“Another account says that: ‘Sometimes the chain gave way under the strain and punt and passengers would find themselves adrift and helpless on the broad Clarence.’

“This chain-driven punt lasted less than a decade, and by 1869 Andrews was in charge of a steam punt in which the inefficient chain drive had been replaced by a cable-operated mechanism.

Mr Tranter said the exhibition contained many fascinating tales such as this that showed how the ferry services developed in the regions and brought to life the characters who had made history in the Clarence.

Mr Tranter said the exhibition would open on Thursday at 10am at the Schaeffer House Museum, 190 Fitzroy Street.

“The e public is invited to visit the Museum and see the new display on Vehicular Boats that crossed the Clarence River from early European settlement times to 1932 when the opening of the Grafton Rail and Road Bridge brought the service to an end,” he said.

Jacaranda honour for former Matilda Jo

By Tim Howard

One of the Clarence Valley’s leading sporting and business identities former Matilda Jo Powell has accepted the invitation to the Guest of Honour for the 90th celebration of the Jacaranda Festival.

Festival manager Mark Blackadder said he was thrilled to announce the beloved local icon would headline this historic occasion.

“This milestone event will take place from Friday October 25 to Sunday November 3 and promises to be a memorable highlight for the Clarence Valley community,” he said.

Mr Blackadder said the Grafton born and bred sportswoman and business person embodied the spirit of the town.

“With a storied career as a Matilda, she has not only made her mark in the world of women’s football but has also become a powerful advocate for empowering individuals, especially young women, to pursue their dreams and become the best versions of themselves,” he said.

As an influential figure and current Matilda alumni, Ms Powell reflected on her journey and how she used her platform to inspire others to embrace their potential.

“I am incredibly honoured to be part of the 90th anniversary of the Grafton Jacaranda Festival,” she said.

”This festival is a celebration of our community, our culture, and the incredible spirit of Grafton. I look forward to celebrating 90 Years in Bloom with everyone and empowering our youth to chase their dreams.”

The Grafton Jacaranda Festival is a cherished tradition that showcases the beauty of the jacaranda tree and the vibrant community of Grafton.

This year’s festival will feature a range of events, including parades, live music and cultural activities, all aimed at bringing the community together in celebration and putting on a show for the thousands of visitors.

Mr Blackadder invited Grafton people in the Jacaranda City and beyond and anyone who wished to be part of one of the country’s oldest floral festivals to join in honouring Ms Powell and all that she represents at the 90th Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

For more information about the festival and its events, please visit here or visit the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Facebook page.

CLARENCE VALLEY ABORIGINAL ARTIST’S WORK HONOURED IN NSW PARLIAMENT’S BICENTENARY UNVEILING

Today marks a significant achievement for Clarence Valley Aboriginal artist Kim Healey, whose artwork has been commissioned as part of the NSW Parliament’s Legislative Council Bicentenary celebrations.

Unveiled today by the President of the Legislative Council, Ben Franklin, Kim’s major artwork titled Ngurra Jagun—meaning “Home Country” will now take pride of place in the Fountain Court public foyer, where it will be prominently displayed for all to see.

Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, who recently viewed the exquisite piece in Kim’s gallery, expressed his pride in seeing a local artist receive such prestigious recognition.

“Kim is a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung woman whose work not only showcases her immense talent, but also brings attention to the rich cultural heritage of our region. Her storytelling through art invites deep reflection on the history, traditions, and future of the First Nations people of NSW,” he said.

“The artwork, Ngurra Jagun embodies the deep connection of Aboriginal people to the land and waters, where the NSW Parliament stands today. Kim’s connection to country and culture is reflected in every piece she creates.

“I encourage everyone to visit the NSW Parliament and experience the beauty and depth of Kim’s work, which stands as a symbol of the strong relationship between the Parliament and the Aboriginal community.”

President of the Legislative Council, Ben Franklin MLC praised the significance of the artwork.

“This artwork not only commemorates our past, it also invites contemplation of the kind of future we aim to build together, and our ongoing commitment to reconciliation with the diverse Aboriginal communities of our state,” Mr Franklin said.

Kim Healey describes her artwork as “a correlation between the Southern Cross and how our culture is our compass. The inner design, with traditional overlayed patterns and symbols, acknowledges community, world views, meeting places, and unity. The bordering design pays respect to my Saltwater/Freshwater heritage of my Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr nations.”

The commissioning of Ngurra Jagun is part of the broader commitment by the NSW Parliament to engage with and honour the state’s First Nations communities and will stand as a lasting legacy of the Bicentenary celebrations.

Following today’s unveiling, ‘Ngurra Jagun’ can be viewed by the public during the opening hours of NSW Parliament House (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays). A mini documentary will be released in the coming weeks, covering the journey of the artwork and its creation.

For more local Clarence Valley news, click here.