Plans are brewing for next Jacaranda Festival

LAINIE Edwards’ decision to apply for the role of the Jacaranda Festival committee secretary was influenced by the amount of reading time on her hands.

NEW ROLE: Lainie Edwards, new Jacaranda Festival secretary.

LAINIE Edwards' decision to apply for the role of the Jacaranda Festival committee secretary was influenced by the amount of reading time on her hands.

"I'm not one to be able to sit around and even though I love reading, there was just too much of it going on," she laughed. "I was looking for something challenging that would fill that couple of days through the week I wasn't working."

Now the Jacaranda committee's newest employee, Ms Edwards said she was excited to sink her teeth into the role.

The executive committee received 18 applications for the secretary position and after a three-week hiring process, they decided Ms Edwards was the best person for the job.

While she officially starts today, the part-time Neighbourhood House volunteer program coordinator met with the other committee members at Jacaranda Festival's AGM last Tuesday night.

"It was a real eye-opener going in there," Ms Edwards said.

"I have worked alongside the Jacaranda Festival committee individually, but I had no idea it took so many people... many of whom have years of experience and dedication to the festival."

The mother of two has a professional background in customer service and has previously worked as a newspaper sales and marketing manager at The Daily Examiner.

"(The secretary role) will be a good challenge," she said.

"After hearing all the ideas and passion at the AGM I've been inspired, I can't wait to get cracking on it."

The Jacaranda Festival office on 48 Prince St, Grafton will be open Mondays and Fridays from 8.30-5pm, starting this week.

Originally published as Plans are brewing for next Jacaranda Festival