Heritage grants now open

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jodie Owen said local heritage landmarks helped shape the identity of Cardinia Shire.

“Council’s grants program plays a critical role in ensuring items of heritage significance are preserved and enjoyed for generations to come,” she said.

Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle, Bunyip, completed strengthening works with funds from the 2015–16 grants program. The church building was constructed in 1902 and the church hall was added in 1908. Demand for community use of the church hall had dropped due to the condition of the building so the church committee used the funds provided from the grants program to restump the 114-year-old building.

“Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle is an example of some of the great heritage buildings we have in Cardinia Shire that need financial support for restoration or maintenance. The grants program allowed us to help the committee restore the church for the benefit of the community.”

Council is now taking applications for the 2016–17 heritage grants program to assist with funding repair works on places and sites included in the Cardinia Shire Planning Scheme Heritage Overlay. Successful applicants will receive matched dollar-for dollar funding of up to $5000 to help repair or conserve places and sites of heritage significance such as community buildings, structures and memorials, as well as the development of conservation and interpretation management plans.

Applications are now open and close 2pm Thursday 15 September 2016.

For more information, edibility criteria or to apply, call Council’s Sustainability and Heritage Planner on 1300 787 624.