Wednesday, 28 February 2018
OWNERS or managers of local heritage properties now have access to $2.8 million worth of NSW Government funding to improve and preserve the region’s history, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced today.
Mr Marshall called for applications for this year’s Heritage Activation Grants, designed for owners or managers of local, publicly accessible heritage items, from buildings to parks and monuments to special natural and cultural places.
“Through this funding, our communities can see important local spaces take on a new life, with improved access and protection to ensure they can last for generations to come,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’d like to see projects that encourage the community to make greater use of heritage items, and celebrates the unique role historical areas play in forming our local identity.
“Any publicly accessible heritage item that is recognised by a local council’s Local Environmental Plan is eligible to apply for grants of between $10,000 and $100,000 and I want to see lots of applications from across the electorate.”
Mr Marshall said that previous rounds had seen grants of $100,000 to restore an iconic Inverell building and provide new ways to appreciate Armidale’s heritage.
“This funding has seen Inverell’s Premier Farmhouse restored to serve as a functional and well-maintained venue in Byron Street, restoring the building’s heritage design and educating the public about the former cityscape,” Mr Marshall said.
“Armidale’s ‘Past In Your Palm’ project is building a comprehensive audio tour for visitors to the architecturally renowned Booloominbah building.
“This project is designed to encourage exploration while providing a compelling catalogue of the regionally significant events that have happened within Booloominbah’s halls.”
Applicants can apply for support for their projects for amounts from $10,000 to $100,000. Applications are now open and close on 20 April 2018.
For more information on the Heritage Near Me program, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritage-near-me-incentives call 02 9873 8544 or email heritage.nearme@environment.nsw.gov.au