Dinner target almost reached

Around 130 Clarence Valley Nationals, friends and supporters of the former Member for Clarence, Steve Cansdell, will attend a tribute dinner for him in Grafton.

JoJo Newby

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ORGANISERS of tonight's tribute dinner for former Member for Clarence Steve Cansdell almost achieved their target.

As of yesterday more than 130 people had confirmed they will attend tonight's event at the Grafton Racecourse. The Nationals Clarence Valley electoral council set a target of 150 for the dinner.

Among the high-profile dignitaries will be NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay as well as other former parliamentary colleagues of Mr Cansdell.

Many of the Valley's leading citizens, including Bill Dougherty and his wife, Dot, will attend.

But there will also be a protest following a Facebook campaign against the dinner by Grafton businesswoman Ursula Tunks.

Ms Tunks said she is dismayed the Nationals were paying tribute to a person forced to resign his seat in disgrace at an event which could benefit the Nationals financially.

She said so far six people had responded to her call to protest the dinner.

"It will be a peaceful protest.

"If anyone behaves like a pork chop, I'll be out of there," she said.