Mark Blackadder: Jacaranda’s hero recognised at tourism awards

His work has been widely lauded by the community for helping create the best Jacaranda Festival, but this latest award elevates him to “hero” status. Find out the details here.

It turns out Mark Blackadder was the hero Grafton wanted and needed for its Jacaranda Festival.

The festival’s well-known and respected manager has been recognised with a major tourism award.

Mark Blackadder was nominated by Clarence Valley Council for the Local Tourism Hero Award and took out the top honour as part of the Destination North Coast NSW Annual Awards.

It recognises those in the industry who go above and beyond, that lead from the front and always put themselves forward to support their team, peers, guests and the industry.

Mr Blackadder said he was both surprised and humbled by the announcement.

“My focus is on delivering the best possible festival for the community, and to be recognised for doing something I love is absolutely incredible,” he said.

“However it wouldn’t be the success it is without all the wonderful people who help me every day, from the committee through to the queen candidates and volunteers.”

The award citation stated Mark leads a massive team of dedicated, passionate and obsessed people and businesses that make the Grafton Jacaranda Festival a phenomenal success.

“He has successfully grown and changed the face of the festival,” it said. “In his first year as manager he produced the most successful Jacaranda Festival in many years and secured one of the highest achievements in sponsorship funding, which in turn supports the local business community of the Clarence Valley, and particularly Grafton.”

“Rather than focusing on the negative impact of COVID on last year’s festival, Mark took the circumstances of the enforced break to get out in the community and talk to businesses and gain commitment through the Go Purple campaign to keep the festival alive.

“Mark also took the time to assess how to better market the festival with a new online focus to draw both national and international visitors in 2021.”

The 2021 festival will run from Friday, October 29 to Sunday, November 7. For more information visit www.jacarandafestival.com.