Macedon conserving victoria’s heritage into the future thanks to living heritage grant

The Andrews Labor Government is conserving two of Macedon’s much loved heritage places, the Old Daylesford Court house and the Kyneton Mechanics Institute thanks to the latest round of the Living Heritage Program.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas was with the Minister for Planning, Lizzie Blandthorn in Kyneton on Wednesday, announcing $200,000 for conservation works to the Mechanics Institute from the Living Heritage Program, giving communities the resources needed to protect our treasured heritage sites and significant objects.

A grant of up to $200,000 for conservation works to the Mechanics Institute in Kyneton will include sub-floor drainage and underpinning works to address the lack of sub-floor ventilation and rising damp.

A grant of up to $124,000 to Working Heritage for conservation works to the Court House, Former Police Quarters and Lockup in Daylesford will include the repair and replacement, where necessary, of downpipes and rainwater gutters and for the replacement of windows.

The Living Heritage Program supports the repair and conservation of some of Victoria’s most significant heritage places, while also supporting traditional trades and local tourism.

Since 2016, the Living Heritage Program has invested more than $60 million in more than 180 conservation pro-jects with over 120 so far completed.

Heritage plays a large part in Victoria’s liveability and provides for approximately $2.4 billion each year towards Victoria’s tourism industry, supporting 184,800 jobs.

Applications were open to local councils, community and not-for-profit organisations, and Committees of Management. Matched funding is also available for places of worship and, in some instances, heritage places and objects in private ownership where a broader community benefit can be demonstrated.

To find out more about the Living Heritage Program, www.heritage.vic.gov.au/grants/living-heritageprogram

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"I’m proud to stand with the Minister for Planning today. These grants will ensure that our local heritage buildings are protected and accessible."

"Heritage is not just about preserving history, it’s a major part of what we love about our state and our regions. It also contributes to our tourism industry contributing approximately $2.4 billion per year."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Lizzie Blandthorn
"For six years now the Living Heritage Program has been restoring significant places and objects across Victoria ensuring their protection, ongoing use and enjoyment into the years ahead – I’m proud to be part of a government that takes action to preserve our past and contribute to maintaining the fabric of our special communities."