Funding boost for local heritage

24 February 2022

Close to $200,000 will be spent on preserving and repairing heritage properties in the Hawkesbury in 2022 thanks to the combined investment of local heritage property owners and the Local Heritage Assistance Fund administered by Hawkesbury City Council.

Heritage properties in Cattai, Wilberforce, Ebenezer, Pitt Town, North Richmond, Sackville (including the Sackville Ski Gardens), Richmond (including the Richmond Literary Institute Inc./Richmond School of Arts) and Windsor will share in a total $41,096 in local heritage grants funded by Council and the NSW Government.

All grants are provided subject to ongoing progress reports and works being inspected and completed. A requirement of the funding is that property owners match or exceed the funding. The funding available for any one property was up to $2,000.

The successful applicants are also showing their commitment to preserving heritage by going beyond the matching funding in some cases, with a total contribution by the 25 successful applicants being $157,720.

In 2021, Council invited owners and managers of heritage listed properties in the Hawkesbury to apply for funding to undertake minor maintenance/conservation work, the Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Patrick Conolly explained.

“The increasing level of interest from heritage property owners is encouraging and it reflects the increased promotion of the program that was recommended by Council’s Heritage Committee,” the Mayor said.

“The Hawkesbury Community Strategic Plan 2017-2036 recognises the importance of conservation and promotion of the Hawkesbury’s heritage and history for current and future generations.

“The Hawkesbury Heritage Strategy 2021-2024 provides an effective framework for Council to achieve its commitment to consevation and management of unique and diverse heritage assets and character within the Hawkesbury,” he said.

“This funding exists in order to promote a positive attitude and awareness in the community about the importance of conservation and restoration our our significant local heritage.

“We thank Heritage NSW for their funding, which combined with Council’s funding allocation has enabled the annual Local Heritage Assistance Fund to continue, and grow in ever increasing popularity.”

The next funding round for 2022/2023 is expected to be released for applications in mid 2022. Potential applicants who would like guidance ahead of applications opening may contact Council’s newly appointed Senior Heritage Officer by contacting Council on 4560 4444 or email council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Council will soon seek Expressions of Interest from community members with skills, experience and interest in the heritage of the Hawkesbury to be a part of Council’s Heritage Committee for the new Council term. For owners and managers of heritage listed properties, free heritage advice is available through Council’s Heritage Advisory Service. For information, and the Request for Heritage Consultation and Advice Form, visit hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-build/heritage/heritage-in-the-hawkesbury or call 4560 4444.