Re-Growing the Buy Local Economy

How regional food gets onto shelves, menus and plates

Thursday 17 September 2026
4:00pm–7:00pm

Bunker Distillery Cellar Door & Bar, Grafton
Hosted by Vitality Farms Northern Rivers

There was a time when buying local wasn’t a trendy movement; it was simply how our food system worked.

Re-Growing the Buy Local Economy is a practical conversation about rebuilding stronger connections between the people who grow, make, buy, cook, serve and sell regional food.

We’ll explore what it really takes to get more regional food onto local shelves, menus and plates, including pricing, consistency, seasonality, logistics, compliance, buyer expectations and the relationships that make local sourcing work.

At the heart of the conversation is one simple question: How do we make buying regional food normal again?

The Panel

Bree Wallace — Clarence Valley Organics
Bringing a producer and distribution perspective on connecting growers, customers and regional markets.

Chef Michael Desmond — Angourie Resort, NRMA Parks & Resorts
With around 30 years in hospitality, Michael brings the chef and buyer perspective on what professional kitchens need from regional suppliers.

Phil Bunker — Bunker Distillery Australia
Founder and distiller Phil Bunker brings the maker and value-adding perspective, exploring how regional ingredients can become distinctive products, brands and experiences.

Pepe Saya — Pepe Saya
Pepe Saya will share his journey in the dairy industry, his observations of the food system, and his vision for creating stronger local pathways for producers and regional food.

The conversation will be facilitated by Laticia Braving, Founder of Vitality Farms Northern Rivers.

Eat, Drink & Connect

Following the panel, enjoy locally focused grazing by Fire and Flames Catering, featuring produce and products from regional suppliers including Mooey’s Farm, Holiday Coast Meats, Caringa Gardens, Big Jim’s Pickles, Lavadia Farm and Gondwana Macadamias.

Your ticket includes eight grazing pieces plus one drink on arrival — a Bunker Zesty Bear Premix Cocktail or soft drink.

Additional drinks will be available for purchase.

Tickets

Vitality Farms members: $29 + GST + booking fee
Non-members: $39 + GST + booking fee

Open to farmers, growers, food and beverage producers, chefs, hospitality businesses, retailers, buyers, tourism operators, makers and anyone interested in strengthening our regional food economy.

You do not need to be based in the Clarence Valley, Vitality Farms members and guests from across the Northern Rivers and surrounding regions are warmly invited.

Getting There

Bunker Distillery Cellar Door & Bar
505/170 North Street, Grafton NSW

Opposite the brewery and tucked behind the café... follow the Bunker signage and pathway.

Contact the host of Re-Growing the Buy Local Economy

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