Australia Day in the Clarence

THE ongoing rain has resulted in the cancellation or postponment of many of the events planned for Australia Day in the Clarence Valley today.

There are, however, a number of organisers who remain determined to celebrate no matter the weather.

Ken Crampton, organiser of the annual Maclean Lions Billy Cart Derby held at Maclean Showground, said that he had ordered sunshine until at least 3pm.

"These weather forecasters don't always know what's going to happen", he said with confidence.

"At this stage it's still on and we won't be making any decision until the morning," he told The Daily Examiner yesterday.

Weather permitting, the first billy cart race will roll from 10am.

For more details, contact Ken Crampton, phone 6645 3253.

Yamba Bowling and Recreation Club has also made the decision to continue with plans for its Australia Day Family Fun Day, moving all activities indoors to the audi- torium. Activities start at noon.

Club operations manager Steve Seymour said that all activities would be held inside, including the jumping castle.

The event is a fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

Meanwhile, Clarence Valley Council's events co-ordinator Vanessa Brown said that today's flag-raising ceremony at Norfolk Park would go ahead as planned from 9am, regardless of weather conditions.

Afterwards, morning tea will be provided by the Yamba Historical Society in the Yamba Museum, with the citizenship ceremony to be held in the Yamba Golf Club auditorium.

Further details can be obtained from Marea Buist by calling 0413 893 076.

Ms Brown also said that the big event planned for Yamba's Main Beach was now looking unlikely, with a decision to be made in the morning.

However, she said that the raffle, to assist in raising funds for Yamba's Nippers, will go ahead as planned at the surf lifesaving club from11am.

Ms Brown also said that anyone who plans to attend the various community or neighbourhood barbecues scheduled for the Clarence region should check with individual organisers.

Yamba Shores Tavern has cancelled plans for its beach volleyball comp in the car park, while community radio TLC FM has postponed its barbecue for another time to be advised.

In Grafton, a number of events have been cancelled or postponed.

Organisers of the Australia Day Pet Show, to be held in Grafton's See Park, were disappointed to have to reschedule their event to another date.

In South Grafton, The Liberty Service Station has postponed its family fun day, and any outdoor activities organised for the BBQ breakfast at St Stephens, Wharf Street South Grafton are also in doubt.