Local heritage groups can now apply for more than $2 million worth of Bracks Government heritage grants, to assist in the protection, management and interpretation of Victoria’s heritage, Minister for Planning Justin Madden announced today.
The 2007-08 grants are part of the Bracks Government’s $20.5 million, four-year heritage strategy, Victoria’s Heritage: Strengthening our communities.
The Victoria’s Heritage Grants program includes funding for heritage places and objects, as well as community collections and heritage interpretation.
Heritage study grants are also available to help local councils identify and manage heritage assets in their municipality.
Mr Madden said community groups, collections managers and local councils had until Friday, 31 August 2007 to apply for the heritage grants.
“Victoria’s Heritage Grants provide much-needed support for local communities to continue their invaluable work caring for Victoria’s heritage,” Mr Madden said.
“Without the dedication of these not-for-profit organisations and volunteer enthusiasts, many of Victoria’s precious places, collections and stories would not survive.”
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney encouraged local community groups and volunteers to find out more about the grants program and consider how they could be used to boost local heritage.
“Grants are available for a diverse range of heritage projects, from managing collections to conserving buildings to interpreting historic places with signage or brochures,” Ms Tierney said.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to play a key role in protecting and preserving our wonderful local heritage for future generations.”
Grant application packs for the 2007-08 Victoria’s Heritage Grants are available from Heritage Victoria; phone 9637 9475, email heritage.grants@dse.vic.gov.au or visit www.heritage.vic.gov.au.
Applications close on Friday, 31 August 2007.