2023 Matron of Honour Elect, Renee has been helping guide the candidates through their candidacy and fundraising process. The Jacaranda Festival means a lot to Renee and has played a major role in her family’s life for many years with her aunt being crowned a former Jacaranda Princess. As a former high school teacher and current youth worker, Renee is passionate about working with young people in the region and hopes to create more diversity and opportunities for them.

Amanda loves the community spirit which embraces the Jacaranda Festival and being a part of the excitement is one of the reasons behind her nomination as a candidate in 2022.

Another big reason why Amanda decided to be a part of the festival this year is the decision to be more inclusive of the LGBTIQ+ community.

Kell would love to be employed, but it's not easy to work with a disability, and running as a Jacaranda candidate gives her an opportunity to give something back to her community and connect with people. Kell loves the festival and has been attending all her life. Kell’s passion is to encourage other people to get involved with the festival.

Trinity remembers looking at the photos of Queens of years past on the wall in I Scream, dreaming of one day getting to be one and being part of the history. Trinity thought it would be a great opportunity to become a candidate to really grow as a person, improve her public speaking ability and learn about organising events, collaborating with businesses to support an idea.

Eva nominated as a Jacaranda candidate after identifying it as a chance to connect with people, to give something back to her beautiful community, to step outside of her comfort zone and do things she never thought she would do.