Warrnambool has received two heritage grants, sharing in more than $1 million worth of new grants to protect and conserve heritage across Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today.
The Warrnambool City Council will receive $13,600 for the conservation of cannon and artillery pieces in Warrnambool.
Ms Tierney said these pieces, located at the Botanic Gardens and at the Lady Bay Lighthouse complex are of state significance.
“This conservation project will include moving the cannon under cover and placing a replica carriage under each cannon.
“Before this is done it is necessary for the carriages to be x-rayed and examined to identify weak points to ensure that no damage occurs when they are lifted,” Ms Tierney said.
$5,500 will also be contributed towards the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village (FHMV) Warrnambool Mechanics Institute Collection.
Ms Tierney said FHMV holds the collection of the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute in three different locations on its site.
“The Mechanics’ Institute opened in 1871, was demolished in the 1960s and was one of the oldest in Victoria.
“FHMV intends to create a new storage area and bring the collection together in one place which will greatly facilitate access and research.
“The collection consists of books and archives dating from the 1850s to 1959s.
“Some of the books are rare and valuable but it is unclear as to their relevance to the history of Warrnambool or Victoria,” Ms Tierney said.
Additionally, $4,000 has also been allocated in a separate grant for a significance assessment of the Uebergang Family Collection at Allansford Cheese World Museum.
These grants are part of the Brumby Government’s 2008-09 heritage grants program, under its four-year, $20 million strategy, Victoria’s Heritage: Strengthening our communities.
Planning Minister Justin Madden said the latest round of grants included funding for 77 community projects to conserve, manage and interpret significant heritage places, objects and collections.
“The Brumby Government’s is taking action to support the local custodians who care for Victoria’s heritage, and work very hard to share it with the wider community,’’ Mr Madden said.
“Without the dedication of these passionate people, Victoria’s heritage would be worse off, so it’s important they receive support and recognition,” he added.
Other heritage grants announced include:
• Camperdown: $18,000 for structural repairs to the State heritage-listed Clock Tower; and $5,000 for a significance assessment of the Camperdown Museum collection.
• Casterton: $21,000 for a new roof for the Former Court House, now a regional community centre; and $5,000 for a significance assessment of the Casterton Historical Society collection.
• Hamilton: $5,000 for a significance assessment of the Pastoral Museum collection.
• Portland: $100,000 for restumping and reflooring of the Former Drill Hall; and $10,000 for interpretive displays at the 1886 Rocket Shed.