The art of good manners was exhibited at the Grafton Regional Gallery on August 26, as Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis viewed ongoing work as part of a NSW Government funded, $7.6 million upgrade and expansion to the facility.

It was also an opportunity for the MP to personally thank local tradespeople on site with the well-timed visit coinciding with National Skills Week, August 24-30.
Mr Gulaptis said the annual week celebrates the talents, skills and contributions of tradespeople educated in the NSW vocational system and his visit to Grafton Regional Gallery was the perfect chance to acknowledge the continuous hard work and commitment of local tradies who he describes as “the backbone of our communities.”

“Many of our tradies in the community continue delivering important services during the current COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“Tradespeople work on projects ranging from electrical repairs in the family home to major infrastructure projects.

“They play a pivotal role in our local area and they deserve to be recognised for their efforts.”

One of the local tradies currently working at the Grafton Regional Gallery, is Peter Quiring.

After completing a Certificate III in plumbing through TAFE NSW two years ago, Mr Quiring now operates his own business, Pete the Plumber, and is relishing the experience of being involved with the multi-million-dollar upgrade to the popular local attraction.

“Work is progressing very well,” he said.

“We’ve renewed the toilet facilities and completed a lot of re-roofing.

“I think its absolutely exciting to be working on a large project like this in the town we operate from.”

Mr Quiring added he was especially pleased the upgrade to the gallery is providing a solid injection into the local economy and he is relishing the opportunity to be a part of it alongside his employees.

The expansion of Grafton Regional Gallery into a neighbouring property in Robinson Avenue, will enable staff more space to show collection pieces, a larger storage area above flood level to protect exhibits, flexible function spaces, a new artist in residence accommodation and allow better accessibility for visitors.

Gallery director Niomi Sands said the upgrade has created a lot of excitement throughout the community and she is very happy with how the work is progressing.

“There have been a few changes made to the current layout of the gallery,” she said

“It’s very important for us to have the right facility so we can safely restore and exhibit artworks and we’re creating a more functional space by extending into the Robinson Avenue site.

“Our MP was very impressed with the layout when he visited.

“He had a great chat with the contractors too and thanked them for their ongoing hard work.”

Ms Sands said one of the really wonderful things about the project is utilising the services of local tradespeople.

“It’s a really positive thing for our community and it’s a recognition of how skilled our local tradies are.

“They’re doing an amazing job and they should be very proud of their work.”

The Grafton Regional Gallery expansion is expected to be completed towards the end of the year.

Ms Sands is looking forward to welcoming the public back to the local attraction when it reopens in February 2021.

“It’s going to be a very exciting time,” she said.