The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to repair one of the earliest properties in Western Victoria, the historic outbuildings at Tarndwarncoort in Warncoort.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced priority conservation works to the stone barn and carriage house buildings, as well as documentation works.
The repairs are possible thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Labor Government’s Living Heritage Grants Program.
The works will include masonry and structural repairs, as well as works to the roof, drainage system and timber carpentry.
Tarndwarncoort, or ‘Tarndie’, is a popular tourism destination. The outbuildings are used for woolcraft workshops and exhibitions, and open to the public each weekend.
Tarndwarncoort was first established as a grazing station in 1840. It’s the home of the Dennis family – one of the earliest Western District families. They are notable in the wool growing industry, farming and community life in the District over many generations.
The Homestead is one of the oldest surviving homesteads in Victoria. It illustrates the architectural development of the Western District homesteads from the early simple vernacular buildings of the 1840s.
The project is one of 20 at Heritage sites across Victoria being funded under the Living Heritage Grants Program.
The Living Heritage Grants Program supports the repair and conservation of ‘at risk’ heritage places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register.
The program provides opportunities for community and not-for-profit organisations, committees of management and local councils to obtain funding for heritage works.
Applications for the second round of the community heritage grants program are now open, and will close on 1 June 2017. For more information on these grants, please visit: http://www.dtpli.vic.gov.au/heritage/about-heritage-in-victoria/living-heritage-program
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“We’re taking action to ensure 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.”
“This work will protect these sites from further deterioration for years to come.”
“I am very pleased that the Andrews Labor Government is funding the preservation of a piece of country Victorian history.”
“The Living Heritage grants are an investment in both the past and future and I look forward to seeing the historic outbuildings at Tarndwarncoort preserved for generations to enjoy.”