In the morning, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, and Mr Dennis Wilson, as guests of Yaegl Elders and the Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, paid their respects at the repatriation site of five Ancestors who have been returned to Country, at the Yaegl Nature Reserve.

Afterwards, the Governor and Mr Wilson, as joint Patrons of the United Hospital Auxiliaries of NSW, received a presentation at Maclean District Hospital, before touring the facilities and meeting staff and volunteers of the Maclean Community Advisory Group and United Hospital Auxiliary. For further information, visit: uhansw.com.au

Later, Her Excellency and Mr Wilson visited Maclean High School, where they met with staff and students, including the school’s award-winning Cattle Show Team, members of the Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and students participating in the River of Learning program.

In the afternoon, the Governor and Mr Wilson were welcomed to River Dreaming, a day of culture and learning to open the Jacaranda Festival, showcasing the culture and traditions of the three Nations of the Clarence Valley: the Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl.

Subsequently, Her Excellency and Mr Wilson met with the Mayor and Councillors of Clarence Valley Council, viewing the recently launched Grafton Waterfront Precinct and receiving a presentation, before participating in a round table discussion.

In the evening, the Governor and Mr Wilson attended the Jacaranda Festival’s opening night concert, featuring Troy Cassar-Daley and Don Walker, at Grafton’s Market Square.