Grafton Regional Gallery’s peak supporter organisation, The Gallery Foundation, argued the following case, in a media release, for retaining its funding. Grafton Regional Gallery … has a reputation of being one of the foremost regional galleries in Australia. Holding a collection with an insured value of $2.3 million, it is also the home to national treasures such as the Clarence Valley Photography John William Lindt collection, which has deep cultural significance to the Clarence Valley Indigenous community. The gallery, which was founded and funded by members in the community in 1985, has been at the heart of the community now for over 30 years and risks becoming unable to sustain dynamic exhibitions, education and collection programs if council’s budget cut proposal is adopted. Chair of The Gallery Foundation, Rod Watters, said such cuts will adversely affect all members of the community that access the diverse range of cultural activities run by the gallery and will potentially have a far-reaching impact on tourism and visitor numbers to the Clarence Valley. “The gallery supports local schools, aged care groups and visiting artists in a way that allows all members of the community to participate in a range of programs tailored for their needs. “It is the most important culture gathering place Clarence Valley built on a sense of community… “On a national level, we are also concerned that council has not considered the economic impact on the Clarence Valley if the gallery budget is reduced. “The gallery is a huge drawcard for visitors. “Numbers indicate that attendance at exhibitions is made up of 44 per cent of visitors to the Clarence Valley who bring significant economic funds into our region and local businesses.”