The Andrews Labor Government is protecting Victoria’s most important cultural landmarks and buildings with a record $3 million in grants from the Living Heritage Program.
This year’s program will fund 27 projects, which will see repairs and conservation works on significant places and objects, while supporting traditional trades and increasing tourism opportunities.
The Labor Government’s $60 million Living Heritage Program was launched in 2016 and this year has seen the most applications, the most projects and record funding of more than $3 million.
The grants will fund vital restoration works to iconic sites including the Keith Haring Mural in Collingwood, which has been subjected to graffiti attacks.
The Mural, created by famed New York artist Keith Haring, is the only remaining large scale work from his visit to Melbourne in 1984 and one of just a few around the world that is still in his own hand and not repainted.
The Contemporary Arts Precinct in Collingwood will use a $200,000 grant to treat the graffiti damage and apply an anti-graffiti coating to protect this landmark.
Other projects include:
- $200,000 for St Andrews Uniting Church in Echuca to restore the gothic revival church and mitigate rising and falling damp.
- $200,000 for Bendigo Cemeteries Trust to repair the gates and iron fence at White Hills Cemetery.
- $80,000 for Northern Grampians Shire Council for works to the ticket booths at Central Park in Stawell.
- $107,000 for Ballarat Hebrew Congregation for conservation works at the Ballarat Synagogue
The Living Heritage Grants Program is the biggest boost to heritage assets in Victorian history, funding the repair and restoration of the most significant places and objects throughout the state.
For a full list of this year’s grant recipients visit: heritage.vic.gov.au/grants/living-heritage-program.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“This program is saving significant heritage sites all over Victoria and preserving them for future generations.”
“Heritage is not just about preserving history, it’s a major part of rural and regional Victoria’s tourism industry and contributes to sustainable economic development.”
“With 92 projects funded by our Living Heritage Grants since 2016, we’re growing the program by investing an additional $20.5 million over the next four years.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020