Caringa Australia withdraws sponsorship of Grafton Jacaranda Festival Ball for 2021

Caringa Australia has withdrawn its sponsorship for this year’s ball at the Grafton Jacaranda Festival due to client safety concerns.

The organisation and the Jacaranda Festival Committee have agreed it is the most appropriate course of action given the vulnerability of their community, however the ball will continue to go ahead without Caringa’s endorsement this year.

Caringa CEO, Rachel Choy, said whilst it was a difficult and regrettable decision, their primary concern is in maintaining the health and safety of their clients, workforce and community. 

“Our key messaging remains stay home and stay safe and given our client base we need to ensure we stay this course,” Ms Choy said.

“While the appropriate authorities have given the green light for the festival and there is a roadmap from the NSW State Government to open up next month, as an organisation we aren’t quite ready for this just yet.”

Jacaranda Festival Manager Mark Blackadder said they accept and respect Caringa’s position and looked forward to working with them in 2022.

“Caringa has been a major part of the festival for many years, including as a major sponsor over the past two years, so we are disappointed they won’t be involved this year,” Mr Blackadder said.

“Ultimately, they need to do what’s best for their organisation, clients and workforce and we understand their decision.

“There will be plenty of opportunities to work together in the future and we welcome their involvement when the time is right.”