Heritage Funding Grants now available

10 October 2022

Part of what makes the Hawkesbury so special is its heritage. In recognition of the significance of heritage, NSW State Heritage Funding Grants for 2023-2025 are now open.

Property owners of State Listed heritage properties within the Hawkesbury Local Government Area are encouraged to apply at www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/grants/applying-for-a-grant

There may be a range of potential grant funding opportunities available depending on the circumstances. For example, flood affected State Listed properties could be eligible for a State Heritage Emergency Works Grant, which has a maximum value of $10,000. These grants are available anytime during the year. They are not competitive grants but are considered by Heritage NSW on a case-by-case basis.

State listed properties could also be eligible to apply for a ‘Caring for State Heritage Grant’, which is a dollar-for-dollar grant opportunity with a maximum grant of $150,000. Applications are currently open for these grants until 2 December 2022. For further information please visit the Heritage NSW website www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/grants/applying-for-a-grant

Flood Recovery for Heritage

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) has provided some very helpful resources to assist in mitigating flood damage to heritage places and collections:

• Blue shield Australia has a list of resources to support the salvage and recovery of flood-damaged places and collections. Visit https://blueshieldaustralia.org.au/resources/flood-recovery to find out more.
• The Australian Institute for the Collection of Cultural Material has a helpful factsheet called 'After A Flood' to assist people in salvaging precious flood-damaged items. It can be downloaded at https://aiccm.org.au/.../upl.../2020/01/AfterAFlood_Ver5.pdf

Visit https://aiccm.org.au/disaster/flood for other useful links.

Remember that health and safety should always be your top priority. Risks in flood-affected areas include mould, bacteria, disease pathogens and exposure to waste matter and effluents carried with floodwaters.

• Wear protective clothing when salvaging places and items, such as gloves, a face mask and eye protection
• Do not attempt to salvage belongings at the expense of your own safety.

For any enquiries in relation to the grants, please contact Council’s Senior Heritage Officer of Council on 4560 4543 or email to council@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au