Heritage and Access grants programs launch 1 June

Pambula Masonic Centre used its Access Improvement Grant to install a larger wheelchair ramp and widen and extend a concrete path to the parking area.

26 May 2020

Council is pleased to announce that applications for both its 2020-2021 Heritage Assistance and Access Improvement grants are set to open 1 June, creating opportunities for projects supporting access equity and heritage conservation.

These grants are funded by the Local Heritage Assistance Fund, set up by Council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, to provide funding support for owners of heritage listed properties throughout the Shire.

Council’s Strategic Planning Co-Ordinator, Sophie Thomson said the fund aimed to help heritage property owners carry out works that support the ongoing conservation of these important parts of the Bega Valley Shire’s character.

She said grants encouraged the conservation, restoration and presentation of heritage buildings, sites and heritage conservation areas.

“One of last year’s grants went to replacing the verandah at Collinswood, a Toothdale homestead which is also used for fundraising events,” said Ms Thomson.

“Another contributed to the reconstruction of the original bell tower on the roof of the Mary MacKillop Museum in Eden, allowing visitors and locals to see the building as it was when first built in 1912.

Ms Thomson said Council was on the lookout for applications aimed at innovative, cost-effective and sustainable long-term heritage benefits for the general public.

“Priority is given to projects directed at urgent maintenance works that will prevent deterioration or the need for demolition and will enhance streetscapes or conservation areas.”

More information can be found on the Heritage Assistance Grants page 

These grants support community, not for profit or business projects that improve access equity for residents and visitors across the Shire. Positive accessibility outcomes include those that successfully break down barriers to a person’s participation in community life due to physical, social, economic or cultural barriers.

Director, Community, Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said the access grant program was overseen by Council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, made up of local experts who provide advice on access issues including physical access to facilities and buildings.

Dr Howe said previous access grant recipients included Potoroo Palace at Merimbula, for the installation of a composting disabled toilet block to improve access for people with impaired mobility, seniors and visitors with prams.

“Yuin Folk Club also received funding to undertake earthworks that levelled the dance venue, removing the need for steps at the Cobargo Folk Festival Site. They also installed a concrete ramp to the main pavilion to improve wheelchair access, levelled the ringside path and improved pathways to the toilet blocks," she said.

“These are great examples of positive, community-driven outcomes and solutions made possible by our grant programs.”

More information can be found on the Access Improvement Grants page.

This year $20,000 has been allocated to both the Access Improvement Grant and Heritage Assistance Grant.

Grants from $500 up to a maximum of $5,000 per application will be considered.

Applications for both grant programs open 1 June 2020 and close at 4.30pm on Tuesday, 30 June 2020. It is strongly recommended that you discuss your project with Council prior to applying.

To do this and for more information on the Heritage Assistance and Access Improvement grants, contact Council’s Grants Administration Officer, Jayde Rankin on (02) 6499 2222 or email [email protected]

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