Regional heritage funding boost

Cultural landmarks in Stawell and Rainbow will undergo repairs and restoration after attracting State Government funding.

The government has provided $80,000 for Northern Grampians Shire Council to restore ticket booths at Central Park.

It has also allocated $47,000 to St Peter’s Lutheran Church for conservation work on the church’s Hill Pipe Organ.

Hindmarsh Shire Council will use $65,000 in government money to repair parts of Yurunga Homestead veranda in Rainbow.

The government is providing the money through its $60-million Living Heritage Program.

Labor Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said grants will help to preserve important heritage history in the Wimmera and southern Mallee.

“This program is saving significant heritage sites across Victoria and preserving them for future generations,” she said.

“Heritage is not just about preserving history, it’s a major part of Victoria’s tourism industry. It contributes to sustainable economic development.”

The State Government launched its heritage-funding program in 2016. This year has attracted the most applications and record funding of more than $3-million.

Applications for the next round of the Living Heritage Program will open in early 2020.

Northern Grampians council leaders welcomed the funding announcements.

Historic gateway

Stawell’s Cr Murray Emerson said attracting $80,000 for preservation works to the historic Central Park booths was the culmination of more than 12 months of advocacy work.

“The grant will help us ensure they are reopened for community use,” he said.

“Central Park’s history and prestige is a major part of Stawell’s story. Restoring the ticketing facilities opens the historic gateway to the park to support our major events for many more years to come.”

The scope of funded works includes urgent conservation works such as roof, window and brickwork repairs, rectifying drainage issues and underfloor ventilation.