A new round of grants under the NSW Government’s Heritage Near Me program will see $2.8 million directed towards projects to protect unique local heritage around the state. Heritage managers or owners in the Orange Electorate are encouraged to apply, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW Rick Colless announced last week.
Applications are now open for this year’s Heritage Activation grants, which are designed for owners or managers of local, publicly accessible heritage items, from buildings to parks and monuments to special natural and cultural places.
“These grants recognise the importance of bringing local heritage spaces and precincts in our community to life to conserve their heritage significance,” Rick said. “The Heritage Activation grants are for projects that actively encourage community interaction and participation with publicly accessible heritage items that are listed on a local council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP).
“This program supports local communities in their efforts to conserve and celebrate their stories, places and values. I encourage all heritage managers or owners across the area to apply for this funding,” Rick said. Past grants have allowed heritage managers or owners, most often community groups and local councils, to undertake conservation work, improve accessibility to their heritage item, add interpretation to a site, or reuse an old site for a new purpose.
Applicants can apply for support for their projects for amounts from $10,000 to $100,000. Applications close on 20th April for projects that begin after 1st July.
For more information on the Heritage Near Me program, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritage-near-me-incentives, call 02
9873 8544 or email heritage.nearme@environment.nsw.gov.au.