The Grafton Regional Gallery Foundation recently launched their signature food event ‘Gate To Plate’ with three of Australia’s noted chefs, Clayton Donovan, Mark La Brooy and Brett Cameron heading the event. Gallery Foundation Chair Rod Watters said they were fortunate to have secured these three chefs for their event. “The committee are really excited to have these three chefs come on board this year and we are lucky they sit within the Northern Rivers food footprint, like all the local produce that will also be sourced locally for the event. Our strategic objectives for the Gate To Plate event are to raise the profile of the Clarence Valley as a centre of excellence for food producers and manufacturers while at the same time expanding the tourism profile to wider NSW. Bringing in such high profile chefs allows them to experience first hand what we have to offer from our rural producers. We also spend quite a bit of money in the community for our event which contributes to the Clarence Valley economy.” Mr Watters said. Funds raised from the Gate To Plate event go towards the development and continued growth of the regional gallery. The Gallery Foundation began it’s life in 2005 when a group of people decided to officially form a group that would operate independently of the Grafton Gallery while at the same time look to raise funds for the continued development of the Grafton Regional Gallery. “In the 10 years we have been operating as a foundation we have managed to raise through our fundraising efforts a sizeable amount of money that assists us to expand the regional gallery’s operations while at the same time purchase and commission works that will add value to the Grafton Galley Collection.” Mr Watters said. Tickets for the 2016 Gate To Plate long lunch can be purchased on line. The event will be staged on Sunday, October 9 at the Grafton Pavilion at the Grafton Showground.