The Andrews Labor Government is conserving one of Port Fairy’s much loved heritage places, the Captain John Mills House thanks to the latest round of the Living Heritage Program.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney toda yannounced a $103,000 grant from the Living Heritage Program, giving communities the resources needed to protect our treasured heritage sites and significant objects.
The funding will be used by National Trust of Australia for conservation works to the roof at Captain John Mills House. The scope of works includes the manufacture and installation of replica Morewood and Rogers tiles, replacement of traditional lead hip and ridge capping and installation of sisalation to protect against future weather events.
While the house now faces the street, the original section faced the west bank of the Moyne River, then developing as a Port.
John and brother Charles were sealers and whalers who settled at Port Fairy. Charles originally lived in the cottage until he moved to his farm, Woodbine. The earliest section of the home is believed to have been built in late 1843. John was Harbour Master at Port Fairy from 1853 to 1871, living in the house from the mid 1850s until 1871.
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 projects 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, heritage.vic.gov.au/grants/living-heritage-program.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“I am very pleased that the Andrews Labor Government is funding the preservation of a piece of country Victorian history, right here in Port Fairy.”
“We’re taking action to secure the future of this iconic site. Our heritage means so much to so many locals – it’s a reminder of our significant history and contributes to our sense of identity.”
“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.”
“This work will protect Captain John Mills House from further deterioration for years to come.”
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.”