Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 15 July, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Council’s Heritage Conservation Grants Program now open

In Summary

Council has launched the 2024/2025 Heritage Conservation Grants Program to support heritage conservation through maintenance, preservation and restoration projects.
Grants of up to $15,000 are available on a $1 for $1 basis, with applications open until 5.00pm on Thursday 22 August 2024.
In 2023/2024, over $39,000 was awarded to various heritage projects, including verandah restorations, chimney repairs, painting and roof/gutter repairs.
Eligible applicants, including individuals, community groups, and organisations, are encouraged to use the Council's free Heritage Advisory Service to discuss their projects and apply for grants.

The Heritage Conservation Grants Program, which was launched in 2017, aims to promote conservation of the region’s heritage through maintenance, preservation, reconstruction or restoration that improves the physical integrity or appearance of a place, while being respectful of the place’s significance.

The grant program is an example of Council’s commitment to recognising and protecting Greater Shepparton’s diverse cultural heritage for present and future generations to appreciate.

In 2023/2024, the seventh year of the grant program, more than $39,000 was awarded to heritage conservation projects across the municipality. The funds were used for a range of works, including restoration of verandahs, chimney restorations, painting and roof/gutter repairs.

Mayor, Cr Shane Sali said conserving our history is a priority for Council and the Heritage Grants Program is an important avenue to support the preservation of places that have shaped the unique character and identity of the region.

“Supporting the community in ensuring good conservation practice across Greater Shepparton through the Heritage Conservation Grants is important and I encourage anyone who believes they have projects that fit the criteria to consider applying,” he said.

Grants of up to $15,000 are available, on a $1 for $1 basis, which can include financial or in-kind contributions. Individuals, community groups or organisations who own or manage properties within the Heritage Overlay, both individually significant and contributory to a heritage precinct, are eligible to apply.

Eligible projects will assist in the repair or conservation of the heritage fabric, or enable documentation such as specialist assessments or conservation management plans. Works must be undertaken and completed between October 2024 and May 2025. Full eligibility requirements are outlined in the Heritage Grants Guidelines 2019, which is available on Council’s website.

Grant applications can be lodged with Council from today until 5.00pm on Thursday 22 August 2024. Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with Council’s free Heritage Advisory Service to discuss the proposed works. To make an appointment with a Heritage Advisor, please contact Council’s Building, Planning and Compliance Department on (03) 5832 9700.

For more information visit the 2024/2025 Heritage Conservation Grants Program webpage here.