The Committee meets monthly and, through discussion and local knowledge, provides expert advice to Council on cultural heritage matters.
It works to raise awareness of the municipality's unique local heritage and ensure that such heritage is conserved and preserved.
The Committee is involved in a number of major projects within Council. The biennial Greater Shepparton Cultural Heritage Awards were established a few years ago to recognise achievements in the heritage space. This may involve good conservation of heritage buildings and places, adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and places, valuable publications about local heritage, good signage of heritage places, and valuable events relating to Greater Shepparton's varied heritage. There is also a Student award, and one to cover any other contribution to heritage in the municipality.
The Awards alternate with a public lecture, now known as the Bruce Wilson Heritage Lecture in honour of Bruce's immense contribution to the area's history and heritage.
Sub-committees have also been established with issues being investigated include developing links with tertiary institutions, and strengthening links between tourism and the region’s unique cultural heritage and researching options, including possible financial incentives, for encouraging land owners to undertake conservation works to places of heritage significance.
Nominations are still welcome for the 2017 Cultural Heritage Awards. They can be submitted up to 9 December 2016, online at Council's website, or in hard copy (forms at the Council Offices and at Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura Libraries, or phone 5832 9730 for a form). A video of previous winners can be seen at Council's website.
Members of the public are welcome to contact the Committee on 5832 9730 with any suggestions or information relating to the heritage of the municipality.
