HERITAGE GRANTS UNLOCK DENILIQUIN’S HISTORY
Published on 04 June 2024
Edward River Council is encouraging local heritage building owners to apply for its Local Heritage Fund Grants for 2024/2025. This initiative is designed to breathe new life into the heritage of the Edward River local government area by offering financial support for minor heritage works.
Edward River Council Mayor Cr Peta Betts invites individuals and groups to be part of preserving, enhancing, and documenting Deniliquin’s rich history.
“The Local Heritage Fund represents an opportunity to actively participate in the preservation of our cherished heritage sites and structures. While the focus is on projects within the villages and Deniliquin town centre, Council is eager to consider all eligible proposals.”
Josephine Duffy, the owner of 138 End Street, is a recipient of a previous grant and shared her thoughts on the benefits of applying for an Edward River Council Heritage Grant.
"There are so many incredible benefits of restoring our old buildings. People shouldn’t think of it as a burden, there are way more benefits that outweigh that reticence. They think there might be red tape, but it is actually very simple. Edward River Council and the heritage advisors are very helpful and encouraging.”
Josephine highlighted three key aspects of her experience that make these grants so valuable to the Deniliquin community:
- Necessary Remediation Work: The grants support essential restoration work in the town environment, with guidance from local consultants. This ensures the preservation of our heritage sites.
- Archiving for Future Generations: Through restoration projects, we archive our history for future generations to enjoy, helping to keep our heritage alive.
- Community Benefits: The investment made by property owners and the Council is far outweighed by the benefits to our community. Restoration not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our town but also improves the mood and wellbeing of our residents. It fosters a sense of pride, stimulates the local economy, and instills respect for heritage in future generations.
Josephine's passion for preserving Deniliquin's history is evident.
"It's not just my building; it is everyone's building. Local tradespeople worked on it - they have pride in their work and talk to their kids about it. It passes on a notion of respecting heritage down through the generations. We need to conserve that notion of respecting our history and not let it pass us by."
Indeed, heritage restoration goes beyond aesthetics; it's about boosting community spirit, preserving local stories, and inspiring a vibrant future. As Josephine continues her restoration journey, she emphasised the value of applying for a Heritage Grant.
"The funding is not only about restoring the built structure – that’s important - but it is also about inspiring a community's future here. We can preserve what we have, shine a light on the stories these old buildings tell, and ensure they are here in the future to allow those stories to continue to be told."
Cr Betts said Josephine's personal experience demonstrates the transformative power of heritage restoration.
“Building owners like Josephine are helping make Deniliquin an even greater place to live. I encourage others to become a steward of our shared history by applying for a grant, ensuring that our town’s unique heritage remains a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.”
To learn more about the Edward River Council's Heritage Grants and to apply for the Local Heritage Fund 2024/2025, please visit:
https://www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/Public-Notices/LOCAL-HERITAGE-FUND-20242025