Not-for-profit organisations across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys are being encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for funding under the latest round of the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) program, Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has announced. The CBP program supports projects that deliver social, environmental and recreational benefits to local communities, helping to enhance infrastructure and strengthen community connectio

Rising concerns about the cost and reliability of fertiliser supply have sparked calls for urgent action, with State Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson urging the NSW Government to guarantee access to critical supplies so that farmers across the Richmond and Clarence Valleys and regional NSW can keep producing food and fibre. Mr Williamson said the message from primary producers over recent weeks has been clear, with growing concern about both the cost and reliabi

Lower Clarence Scottish Association Chief and longtime stalwart of the local Scottish community, Peter Smith, has been honoured with a NSW Government Community Service Award by Clarence Nationals MP, Richie Williamson, at the 121st Maclean Highland Gathering held over the Easter long weekend in Maclean. Mr Williamson had the privilege of performing the official opening of the Gathering on Saturday and took the opportunity to surprise Peter with the prestigious award in reco

Six new paramedics have been assigned to the Grafton Ambulance Station, strengthening frontline emergency care across the Clarence Valley, State Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson has announced. Mr Williamson said the six new paramedics are in addition to seven extra paramedics allocated to the Lower Clarence region 12 months ago, further boosting the capacity of local ambulance services. “Healthcare has been a key focus of mine since being elected as the Member

State Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson, is calling on the Minns Labor Government to support a proposal from the NSW Nationals and Liberals to deliver free public transport across the Easter long weekend, including XPT services and TrainLink coaches. Mr Williamson said families across regional NSW are being hit hard by soaring fuel prices, with petrol now exceeding $3 per litre in many areas. “Families are paying more just to do the basics like getting to work

Residents still recovering from the 2022 floods and being urged to register for the NSW Government’s Resilient Homes Program before applications close at the end of March, State Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson says. Mr Williamson said time is running out for eligible residents to access vital support, with new applications closing on 31 March 2026 . “I want to make sure each and every person who is eligible for support receives it, but the deadline is fast ap

Rising fuel prices triggered by instability and conflict in the Middle East are placing increasing pressure on families, farmers and small businesses across regional New South Wales, and Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson says motorists deserve greater transparency at the bowser. Mr Williamson has welcomed the NSW Liberals and Nationals’ commitment to introduce legislation aimed at delivering stronger consumer protections and greater certainty for motorists fac

Michelle Cowan of Grafton has been awarded the title of the 2026 Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year in recognition of her extraordinary service to the Clarence Valley community, NSW Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson has announced. Michelle is a specialist trauma counsellor, specialised grief counsellor and case manager, and the founder of Marahn — a unique, integrated therapy and support centre in the Clarence Valley. Through her work, Michelle supports

Clarence Nationals State MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson will announce the Clarence Electorate Local Woman of the Year WHEN & WHERE 10am, Tuesday, 3 March Richie Williamson’s Electorate Office, 11 Prince Street, Grafton The Local Woman of the Year Awards program provides NSW MPs with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of an outstanding woman in their electorate as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. All media inquiries to Deb

The NSW Labor Government must immediately respect the Fair Work Commission’s recommendation yesterday to increase funding for the community preschool sector, bringing the pay of early childhood teachers in line with their colleagues in public preschools, according to State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson. Mr Williamson said the Fair Work Commission had accepted calls by the Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch, which has been advocating for lo

Members of the public are invited to provide input on the proposed listing of the MV Beardmore – a tugboat used in the sugar industry on the Clarence River from 1914 – on the NSW State Heritage Register. State Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson, said the MV Beardmore may hold State historical significance for its role in the sugar industry throughout the 20th century and encouraged local residents to have their say. “The MV Beardmore played an important role in

The $263.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital continues to progress, with early works well underway and new traffic arrangements in place as the next phase of construction begins. Welcoming the latest milestone, State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson said early works out the front of the main hospital building are well underway with changed traffic conditions now in place on Arthur Street to allow for the construction of a new pedestrian crossing, imp

Clarence Nationals State MP for Clarence Richie Williamson has welcomed the news that Grafton’s Jenny Worrell has been named a finalist for title of NSW Regional Woman of the Year at the NSW Women of the Year Awards, describing the recognition as a proud and historic moment for the Clarence Valley. Mr Williamson said it is believed to be the first time a Clarence Valley resident has been named a finalist in this prestigious category, which recognises outstanding women livin

Clarence Nationals State MP for Clarence Richie Williamson is calling on the NSW Government to urgently commit $17.8 million to address the dangerous deterioration of Armidale Road, backing Clarence Valley Council’s long-standing request for financial compensation following the stalled road handover process. Mr Williamson said Armidale Road is a critical regional link between the Clarence Valley, the Northern Tablelands and the North Coast, yet years of uncertainty around r

Clarence Nationals State MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson, met with angry Clarence River commercial fishers in Maclean on Thursday amid growing frustration over what he has described as the Minns Labor Government’s “deafening silence” on the future of the industry following the prolonged White Spot outbreak biosecurity restrictions. Mr Williamson said commercial fishers have been left “high and dry” after the NSW Minister for Agriculture and her Department of Primary Indu

Clarence Nationals State MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson will stand with Clarence River commercial fishers in Maclean to support their calls for the NSW Labor Government to urgently engage with industry and provide clarity and fair financial support for fishing families whose livelihoods are at risk by further White Spot biosecurity restrictions. Mr Williamson said fishers have been left in limbo by the Minns Labor Government’s failure to respond to correspondence or ack

Four new Probationary Constables will join the ranks of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys following their attestation at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday, 12 December last year, Clarence Nationals State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson has announced. The new officers form part of a wider intake across the Coffs/Clarence and Richmond Police Districts, with one Probationary Constable commencing duties in the Richmond Valley at Casino, and three officers stationed i

NSW Nationals State MP for Clarence Richie Williamson has said it was an honour to present a NSW Premier’s Award to 14-year-old Millie Trustum of Tatham today, recognising her extraordinary courage, leadership, and tireless advocacy and fundraising for childhood cancer research. Mr Williamson said Millie’s story is one of remarkable strength and selflessness, supported every step of the way by her family. “Millie has faced challenges that no young person should ever have

NSW Nationals State Member for Clarence Richie Williamson MP has invited members of the local community to come together for a vigil to pay their respects to the innocent victims of the tragic events at Bondi. “As our nation continues to come to terms with the senseless act of violence we witnessed on Sunday, many people have asked how they can honour those who lost their lives and show support for the families affected,” Mr Williamson said. “The Dean of Christ Church Cat

Long peak-hour queues and growing frustration for local commuters have prompted NSW Nationals State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson to call on the NSW Labor Government to reinstate dual-ferry operations at the Bluff Point ferry service at Lawrence. Mr Williamson has written to NSW Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison seeking a firm commitment to operating two ferries on an ongoing basis — particularly during morning and afternoon peak periods — to ease traffic del