25/05/2026
Jacaranda Festival Candidate 2026 Brooke Harvey
Sponsor: Grafton & District Funerals and Grafton Midday Rotary
How long have you lived in the Clarence Valley and what makes it such a special place to call home?
I’ve been lucky enough to call the Clarence Valley home my entire life. After school, I met my husband and followed life a little further down river to Maclean.
Even so, Grafton still feels like the centre of everything for me it’s where I work, where my family is, and where so many of my friendships were built.
What do you love the most about living within a regional community?
How connected everyone is & always willing to help. Being involved in groups like Grafton Midday Rotary, I’ve seen firsthand how much people give back through volunteering and fundraising. In a smaller town, you really get to know the people around you and if someone needs a hand, you don’t think twice, you just help. That genuine sense of community is what makes it so special.
What inspired or motivated you to nominate as a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate?
I’d thought about nominating for a long time, but I think like a lot of people, confidence held me back. This year, I realised that sometimes the only thing stopping you is yourself and with it being my last year to nominate, I knew I didn’t want to look back and wish I had given it a go. I’m really excited to be stepping outside my comfort zone, challenging myself, and making the most of the opportunity.
As a 2026 Jacaranda Candidate, what are you looking forward to the most as you commence your jacaranda journey?
What I’m looking forward to most is continuing to build meaningful connections within the community. Through my work as a funeral director, I’ve had the privilege of being part of
many people’s final farewells, including those who were deeply involved in the Jacaranda Festival. Something that has always stayed with me is how often their Jacaranda experiences are shared as some of their most special memories. Hearing that through families’ words has really inspired me. It’s made me want to experience it for myself - to be part of something so meaningful, and one day be able to share my own story of what the Jacaranda journey meant to me.
What are some of your favourite memories from attending previous Grafton Jacaranda Festivals?
My favourite Jacaranda memories come from different stages of my life. As a child, it was school floats and family traditions like heading to Market Square for a Dagwood dog with my Pop.
As I got older, it was the excitement of going to the Venetian Carnival and Jacaranda Thursdays with friends. Now, it’s attending different events and staying involved in something
that means so much to our community.
What is your favourite event to attend during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival each year?
My favourite events change each year, but I’ve always loved the Jacaranda Float Parade, especially as my dad was involved in helping drive floats growing up. Jacaranda Thursday is always a highlight, and I love that the festival has something for
everyone - from family events like the Venetian Carnival to events that the candidates organise.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I enjoy a mix of both quiet time at home and getting out and about. I love being at home crocheting, cooking, gardening, and working on little DIY projects around the house - especially having my 2 labradors Bear & Koda by my side the entire time. At the same time, I really value time with my friends and family whether that’s going out for brunch, heading to the beach, or taking a day trip somewhere together.
Should you receive the honour of being crowned during the 2026 Grafton Jacaranda Festival, which title will you choose, King, Queen, or Ambassador?
If I’m fortunate enough to be crowned at the 2026 Jacaranda Festival, I would be honoured to take on the title of Jacaranda Queen.
Are there any words of encouragement you would like to extend to others who may be considering nominating as a Jacaranda candidate one day?
My advice would be to just go for it! No matter how scared or unsure you feel, don’t let that hold you back. I put it off for years because of self-doubt, and I wish I hadn’t. Already, this experience has introduced me to so many supportive and encouraging people. Everyone genuinely wants you to succeed, and you’re welcomed with open arms.
💜
