Helping hand for local heritage

In welcome news for owners of heritage places across the region, Cessnock City Council has announced applications for its 2017/18 Local Heritage Fund are now open.

If your heritage place is looking a little worse for wear and in need of repairs or a fresh coat of paint to give it a new lease of life, you could be eligible for up to $2,000 under the fund.

In a nutshell, the purpose of the Local Heritage Fund is to provide financial assistance to owners of heritage items for conservation projects, maintenance works or building code upgrades.

Recently completed projects include the painting of the Goldsmith building facade, reprinting of historical signage at the Commercial Hotel, Branxton and a roof replacement at the Kurri Kurri Visitor Centre.

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent is calling on all owners of heritage listed items to apply.

“These grants not only provide local heritage owners with a kick start to do some renovations, but they are also a fantastic way to help preserve our local history.”

Applications for funding are open until Thursday 31 August 2017 and projects need to be completed by Thursday 15 March 2018 in order to claim the grant.

For more information, including the application form, please visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/planning-and-development/Heritage/heritagegrants.