Grafton Jacaranda Queens- Where are they now?

Jacaranda Queens have been the highlight of Grafton’s annual celebration since 1943. We caught up with some past winners to see how royalty panned out.

More than 78 Jacaranda Queens have been crowned at Grafton’s annual celebration of the beautiful trees that line its streets.

Here is what a selection of them have been up to since winning the coveted title that has kept a special place in their hearts.

Fiona Stone, 1989

Fiona Stone was working at the Crown Hotel when she was crowned Jacaranda Queen.

It’s something of which she has always been proud.

She was thrilled to recently participate again the Jacaranda Festival parade in a vintage car.

She still lives in Grafton, is a singer songwriter, a member of the State Emergency Service and is employed as a support worker and does telesales for charitable organisations.

“I’m loud and proud of my beautiful hometown,” Ms Stone said.

“Once you are a Jacaranda Queen it’s a special feeling you hold in your heart.”

Sarah Dickson, 2007

Jacaranda Queen Sarah Dickson was training as a financial adviser when she was crowned and has stayed with the same company for 18 years.

She is now a financial adviser at Westlawn Wealth and currently on parental leave.

She still volunteers with the festival and enjoys meeting the new queens.

“It’s been wonderful to see the celebrations evolve year after year, in line with the vision so many of us have held for it,” she said.

“I love the elements of history and tradition that the role carries, and the once in a lifetime experiences I had during my reign.

She has started a “positivity project” called Grafton is Great!

She said her aim was to share local love for “our special slice of the Clarence”.

Check out the Instagram and facebook @graftonisgreat #graftonisgreat.

Cerene Lowe, 2013

Jacaranda Queen Cerene Lowe has just been back to Grafton to complete her student placement to finish her masters studies in osteopathic medicine.

She is due to graduate this month to become a doctor in the field.

“Being the Jacaranda Queen was a pivotal moment in my life,” Ms Lowe said.

“It gave me the tools and confidence to follow my dreams.

“Not only that but Grafton and the whole community have a very special place in my heart.”

Sharni Hasler, 2016

Sharni Hasler has kept achieving since she won her title.

She is living in South Grafton with her family and works in aged care.

She has just had her second baby, Holden, who joins older brother Hudson, 3.

Ms Hasler completed the Rotary Youth Leadership Award a year after her royal role in the Jacaranda Festival.

Since then she became the joint community engagement officer at Ulmarra State Emergency Service and joined Grafton Midday Rotary.

She also managed her hockey team while pregnant.

“Being a Jacaranda Queen got me to build confidence in myself to go for things I didn’t believe were possible,” Ms Hasler said.

“I would recommend it to anyone.

“What have you got to lose?”