Jacaranda Queen Candidates
2019 Junior Queen's Party
Big River Pizza
Age: 13
School attending and class: McAuley Catholic College - Year 8
How long have you lived in Grafton? I was born in Grafton and have lived here all my life.
What do you like about living here? Grafton is a friendly diverse town with a wonderful sense of community spirit. It has beautiful trees and historic buildings and a lovely river. Our Jacaranda Festival highlights all things beautiful about Grafton, the scenery, the history and the people.
How do you spend your spare time? Dancing, doing drama, enjoying time with my friends and family, attending community events in the local area, doing art, sewing and cooking.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I wanted to be more involved in the festival I have grown up with and love; to make new friendships; to get a greater understanding of the connection with my community; to improve my confidence and public speaking skills; to be a role model and inspire other young girls, particularly those struggling with confidence.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? Having been born and raised in Grafton I have always been involved in as many Jacaranda events as possible. There are so many wonderful aspects of the festival but the Queen's crowning ceremony is probably the most special to me. Having been a cape bearer, a Jacaranda Flower Girl, a part of the lantern parade and a member of the crowd, I have a love for the beauty, magic and wonder of this very special and uniquely Grafton event.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen
Brigette Jamieson
Sponsored by:
Fitzroy Bar and Grill - Grafton Hotel
Age: 12
School attending and class: St Andrew's Christian School - Year 7
How long have you lived in Grafton? Four years.
What do you like about living here? The friendly people in the town and my animals on my farm.
How do you spend your spare time? Navy cadets and horse riding, camping, dancing, singing and practising for the Mary Poppins theatrical performance with the Australian Theatrical Society.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I wanted to help people and I'm proud of my town. When I was in primary school I found out about the festival and I saw other people happy and having fun enjoying being Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidates of the festival.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? The float parade because I enjoyed it on the float with my dance school a couple of years ago dressed as the Cat in the Hat theme.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate
Emily-Rose Pulis
Sponsored by:
I Scream
Age: 13
School attending and class: Grafton High School - Year 8
How long have you lived in Grafton? My whole life.
What do you like about living here? The weather, community events, playing sports, being able to know a larger range of people due to its size.
How do you spend your spare time? Playing netball (I'm in the Grafton Rep Team). I have a part time job at I Scream and enjoy cooking for my family.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I wanted to try something new. I enjoy doing group activities and wanted to become more confident in speech and personality as I would like to travel later.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? The Riverlight Festival as in the past I performed in gymnastics and I enjoy watching the community come together and have a great night.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate
Erin Dunkley-Moore
Sponsored by:
The Rotary Club of Grafton Midday
Age: 13
School attended and class: Grafton High School - Year 8
How long have you lived in Grafton? All my life. I was born in Grafton.
What do you like about living here? The community, and my friends and family are here.
How do you spend your spare time? Singing and writing songs.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen candidate? When I was seven I was a Jacaranda cape fairy and ever since then I've wanted to do it.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? Jacaranda Thursday because my friends and I have a tradition where we go to my friend's house that has a pool and we go for a swim afterwards.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Miriam Taylor
Sponsored by:
Clarence River Jockey Club
Age: 12
School attending and class: South Grafton High School - Year 7
How long have you lived in Grafton? I have lived in Grafton my whole life.
What do you like about living here? I like how everyone in the community comes together for the Jacaranda Festival.
How do you spend your spare time? I like to read comics and books. I also enjoy talking to and spending time with my friends, playing hockey and doing gymnastics.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? So I can make a difference in the community. Ever since attending the princess parties I've wanted to become part of the festival and have all the young children look up in awe, saying: "One day I'd like to be a part of that". Giving them hope and a dream.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? The event special to me is the Venetian Carnival, now known as the river light festival, because I have so many opportunities to make unique and special memories with my friends and family. Last year I went to the festival with my mother, cousin, two brothers, and my friend Emmalea. I made some of my last quality memories with my friends from primary school. I will always treasure all of my friends sitting on the far hill just looking up as the night sky lit up with countless, colourful and bright spurts of light.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Kira Boulton
Sponsored by:
Clarence Valley Council - Clarence Regional Library
Age: 13
School attending and class: St Andrew's Christian School - Year 7
How long have you lived in Grafton? I have lived in Grafton my whole life.
What do you like about living here? I enjoy the freedom I get here and the parks I get to visit.
How do you spend your spare time? I like journaling, reading and listening to music.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I have known a few past candidates and it looks like a lot of fun.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? I enjoy the float parade. Every year my mum sets up a table with food and drinks outside her shop. It's kind of a like a tradition.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Letisha Stevenson
Sponsored by:
Anytime Fitness
Age: I am currently 13 but will be 14 next month.
School attending and class: McAuley Catholic College Year 8.
How long have you lived in Grafton? When I grew up I lived out of town for some time but I was born and raised in the Clarence Valley. My dad had a property at Cangai and has now moved into town. My mum lives at Waterview Heights and has been part of the community by working at Anytime Fitness in Grafton.
What do you like about living here? I enjoy living in Grafton because it is a small community where everyone knows each other. I enjoy all of the different activities Grafton hosts such as Jacaranda, Scouts, theatre and the movies.
How do you spend your spare time? When I am not doing other activities, I like to draw, read, write and do different sports, and be involved in theatre. Some of the activities I do are Scouts (four years), travelling with my dad and doing abseiling and hiking.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen candidate? I became a candidate so I could become more a part of the community. I would also like to develop more social skills and the ability to think and present myself on the spot.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? I have always had fond memories of the River Light Festival because I loved seeing the live performances, and on different occasions I've had the chance to perform for others on that stage with them
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Stella Lydon
Sponsored by:
Red Hot Hair
Age: 13
School attending and class: Grafton High Year 8
How long have you lived in Grafton? 10 years
What do you like about living here? I like living in Grafton because I have family and friends to relax with.
How do you spend your spare time? I spend my spare time dancing, singing, acting, and hanging out with my friends.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I became a candidate when I saw all the photos (of former Jacaranda Queens) in the I Scream shop.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? My favourite event is Jacaranda Thursday because I can spend time with family and friends.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Aneka Larkin
Sponsored by:
Toast Espresso
Age: 13.
School attending and class: McAuley Catholic College.
How long have you lived in Grafton? I have lived in Grafton my whole life, which is 13 years.
What do you like about living here? I like living here because there is a friendly, community, rural atmosphere which is relaxed, unlike busy cities with heaps of buildings and traffic. I also really enjoy the Jacaranda Festival.
How do you spend your spare time? I spend most of my spare time horse riding, reading, sewing, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen candidate? I have always loved the festival and wanted to be a part of it, to improve my confidence in public speaking and make friends. My mum was also a part of the festival in 1997, which also inspired me to become a candidate.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? My favourite event is the queen crowning ceremony as it always appears to be a magical night, even more so now with the introduction of the lantern parade. All candidates look elegant in their gowns, confident in their speeches and the community comes together to view the event and all the girls.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Chelsea Hughes
Sponsored by:
Peter Buckler Floor Sanding
Age: 13
School attending and class: McAuley Catholic College
How long have you lived in Grafton? I have lived in Grafton for 13 years.
What do you like about living here? I like that it is a small town and you get to know a lot of people.
How do you spend your spare time? I walk around with my friends or family.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I became a Junior Jacaranda Queen candidate because a former candidate encouraged me. I also watched the floats when I was younger and loved to watch the former candidates.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? The RiverLIGHT Festival is special to me because a few years ago my family and I went and had a great night there
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Jessica Redman
Sponsored by:
Dougherty Property
Age: 13.
School attending and class: McAuley Catholic College.
How long have you lived in Grafton? Thirteen years, since birth.
What do you like about living here? I love living in Grafton because I have some amazing friends here. I also love living in a town that's peaceful and beautiful and where I can be surrounded by my animals.
How do you spend your spare time? I ride and compete regularly in horse competitions. I play netball and represent the Grafton Netball Association. I also enjoy playing touch football and soccer for my school.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I would like to gain more confidence in my public speaking and experience Jacaranda from an insider's perspective. I was inspired by looking through my mum's old Jacaranda pictures over the years.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? The event I enjoy the most is the Riverlight Festival, the fireworks are amazing and I love all the food on offer. Jacaranda Thursday is also fun and I love making crazy outfits to wear on the day.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Princess
Sahara Powell
Sponsored by:
Bloomer Transport
Age: 13
School attending and class: Grafton High School - Year 8
How long have you lived in Grafton? I have lived in Grafton my whole life. I was born at Grafton Base Hospital
What do you like about living here? I like living in Grafton as it is close to the beach, the farm and an easy drive to the Gold Coast. I also like the opportunity to participate in the many sporting and cultural activities
How do you spend your spare time? I spend my spare time doing surf lifesaving in Red Rock/Corindi SLSC, drama, soccer and physical culture. I also love doing craft.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I have been waiting my whole life to do the Junior Jacaranda Quest, since i was four years old.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? Jacaranda Children's Party because I have attended it every year since I was a baby.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Jamaica Yager
Sponsored by:
Grafton Truck and Trailer
Age: 13
School attending and class: McAuley Catholic College (Year 8)
How long have you lived in Grafton? I have lived in Grafton ever since I was born which is 13 years.
What do you like about living here? I absolutely love the atmosphere of Grafton and also how friendly and close everyone is.
How do you spend your spare time? Playing sport. This varies from hockey and tennis training to representative team try-outs, selection and competitions.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? I became a candidate to further my public speaking skills and to enjoy the Jacaranda Festival in a different, first-hand way which I most likely won't be able to experience again.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? The Party for a Princess is very special to me as I have been entering and winning ever since I was born. I have many, many fond memories with both friends and family.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Maddison Yager
Sponsored by:
BCU Grafton Branch
Age: 14
School attending and class: McAuley Catholic College (Year 8)
How long have you lived in Grafton? All of my life.
What do you like about living here? I like living in Grafton because it is the North Coast and it's close to national parks, beaches and the Gold Coast Shopping.
How do you spend your spare time? I spend my time doing art (drawing and painting), reading and doing exercise. I train in mixed martial arts and jiu jitsu four days a week.
Why did you become a Junior Jacaranda Queen Candidate? A former candidate told me about her experience and it inspired me to do it.
What event during the Jacaranda Festival is special to you and why? The event that is special to me is Jacaranda Thursday because when I was around 8 years old I got to walk around town with the characters dressed in costumes.
2019 Junior Jacaranda Queen's Party
Gabrielle Solway
Sponsored by:
The crown is the symbol of the Jacaranda Festival, the highest honour the festival can bestow on a young woman of this city.