The McGowan Government is calling for applications from owners of heritage properties and local community heritage champions eligible for the 2020-21 heritage grants program.
The program offers dollar-for-dollar funding in grants of up to $40,000 for urgent conservation works to help private owners with their care of State Registered Heritage Places. Funding of up to $10,000 is also offered for the preparation of conservation management documents.
This year, a new grants stream will offer up to $20,000 for community events, activities and heritage interpretation that aims to help businesses, not-for-profit organisations and local governments share the stories behind our valuable heritage places.
Since the heritage grants program began in 1997, 784 heritage projects have received grants totalling more than $22 million.
Previous grants have funded structural stabilisation and specialist conservation of building exteriors and interiors on private residences and larger commercial buildings, including places such as the Gledden Building, Bowes Homestead, Catherine McAuley Centre and Roebourne’s Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
The grants program promotes economic growth through employment and contracted works, an important driver of our recovery from COVID-19, and will revitalise some of Western Australia’s most historic buildings creating new opportunities for interpretation and storytelling.
Applications for the 2020-21 Heritage Grants Program close 12pm Friday, February 12, 2021. More information, including eligibility, can be found at https://www.dplh.wa.gov.au/heritage-grants-program
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
“The McGowan Government’s continued support of the heritage grants program recognises the importance of encouraging owners of heritage properties to invest in the conservation of these valuable buildings.
“This investment helps to ensure the long-term viability of our State’s built heritage and promotes local jobs and heritage tourism.
“Last year, we made the difficult decision to defer grant funding for investment in conservation of one our most popular heritage places, the Fremantle Prison. This year, I am delighted to see the grants program return and to launch a new community heritage grants stream.
“By providing funding to grass roots community events and projects, we will enable more people to celebrate our State’s cultural heritage and share in stories of Western Australia’s past in a contemporary and engaging style.
“The inclusion of funding for interpretation projects, such as heritage trails highlights the State’s focus on stimulating communities and supporting local business. Heritage interpretation and events are a catalyst for attracting new visitors to an area and providing unique heritage experiences.”
