2026 Candidates.

A cartoon illustration of a purple royal crown with white and silver accents and a fleur-de-lis design.

The Grafton Jacaranda Festival candidate journey is deeply rooted in our community, offering a meaningful way for local youth to grow into our next generation of regional leaders. The Candidate Journey has evolved from a traditional pageant into a modern, inclusive youth leadership and community participation program, whilst honouring the traditions of the past.

The program primarily focuses on building self-confidence, public speaking, teamwork, collaboration, goal setting, community networking, and event management skills for locals aged 18 to 30 (Jacaranda Candidates) and 12 to 14 (Junior Candidates).

Our candidates start their journey in February, long before the first purple blossoms fall, spending many months preparing, fundraising and supporting community events, becoming ambassadors not just for the Jacaranda Festival but for the Clarence Valley as a whole. Their journey culminates at the Royal Crowning in October where our Festival Queen, King or Ambassador is announced.

CANDIDATES

Young man in formal attire smiling, wearing a purple sash with text and decorative pins, standing outdoors with green foliage in the background.
A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a tiara and a blue dress, smiling, standing in front of a greenery background, with a lavender sash that says 'Graduation Jack...'

Lochy Elward

Sponsored By:
South Grafton Services Club

Reny Foster

Sponsored By:
The Crown Hotel Motel

Arliah Montaque

Sponsored By:
The Village Green

Brooke Harvey

Sponsored By:
Grafton & District Funerals /Midday Rotary

A young woman with dark hair, wearing a tiara, a purple sash that reads "Graduation Jacqueline" and a floral off-the-shoulder dress, smiling outdoors with green foliage in the background.
A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a tiara, a pearl necklace, and gold jewelry, smiling at the camera in an outdoor setting with green foliage background. She has a purple sash with gold lettering that reads 'Granddaughter' in gold and other words partially visible.

Ella Lawrence

Sponsored By:
Grafton District Golf Club

Taylor McPherson

Sponsored By:
The Good Intent Hotel

Smiling woman with short brown hair wearing a tiara, a black sequined dress, and a purple sash that reads 'Grefor 't National Jacaranda Festival' standing outdoors against a green background.

Caitlin Grainger

Sponsored By:
Roches Hotel / Clarence Valley Drama

Natalie Waterhouse

Sponsored By:
Good Price Pharmacy

Sonia LLOYD

Matron of Honour Elect

Sponsored By:
Clarence Valley Legal

A woman wearing a tiara and a purple sash that reads 'JMU Hand' is standing outdoors against a background of green foliage. She is smiling, wearing earrings and bracelets, and has a tattoo on her left forearm.
A young woman wearing a tiara, black satin gown, and purple sash with gold lettering, standing outdoors with a blurred green background, smiling at the camera.
Young woman with long red hair wearing a tiara, braces, and a pink dress, standing outdoors against green foliage background, with a lavender sash over her shoulder.
Young woman with red hair wearing a crown and a purple sash, smiling, outdoors with a leafy background.

Junior Candidates

Vienna Venneri

Sponsored By:
Addictive Hair and Beauty

Grace Sullivan

Sponsored By:
Ashley Albert Performing Arts

SOphie Jane

Sponsored By:
Pivotal Support and Coordination

ciana Bradshaw

Sponsored By:
Rob Carers and Supports

Young girl wearing a lavender dress and a tiara, smiling, with a lavender sash across her chest that reads 'JUNIOR J' and more text, standing outdoors with a blurred green background.

Skylah Williams

Sponsored By:
Grafton Help Towing

Young girl wearing a crown and sash, dressed in a lace white dress, smiling with hands folded in front of her, outdoors with greenery background.
Young girl wearing a tiara and a cream-colored dress, with a purple sash bearing text, standing outdoors with green foliage background.
Young girl with brown hair wearing a tiara, earrings, and a light blue lace dress, standing outdoors with greenery in the background. She is smiling and has a purple sash across her chest that reads 'Junior J'.
Young woman dressed in formal attire, wearing a sash that reads 'Junior' and a tiara, standing outdoors with a blurred green background.