Funds give life to local history projects

Three local heritage groups will benefit from state government funds that will help the groups with projects that preserve community history.

The Trafalgar Holden Museum will receive $9522 for restoration of a Holden army work boat; Longwarry and District History Group Inc. will receive $3490 for its website development; and the Nyora and District Development Association will receive $3930 for a project aimed at preserving Nyora’s history.

Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings last week announced 53 community groups will share in $345,000 worth of local history grants.

Successful projects ranged from digitisation of historic newspapers to developing heritage town walks and recording of oral histories.

The funding is part of the annual Local History Grants Program which provides small grants to community organisations to support projects that preserve, record or publish Victorian local history.

Mr Jennings said the program was about putting our dedicated community organisations first, who do such a great job of collecting and preserving Victoria’s fascinating history. “This funding will go a long way in bringing their projects to life.”

“Their work in capturing the memory of unique aspects of our state, ensures that future generations can appreciate and understand Victoria’s varied and diverse history for many years to come,” he said.