January 22nd, 2025Reviving treasured heritage sites damaged by disasters

Victoria’s Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has this month announced the recipients of the first round of Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants for heritage sites damaged by floods, storms and bushfires.

The grants will breathe new life into beloved landmarks, including the Bael Beal Homestead near Kerang, which will receive $300,000 for storm damage repairs, and the historic grandstand at Benalla Showgrounds, which will receive $142,000 to restore flood damage.

In Gippsland, the grants will restore key community landmarks, including the Rail Bridge at Nowa Nowa, which will receive $230,000 for vital repairs, and the Walhalla Bandstand, which will undergo conservation repair works thanks to $120,000 in funding.

The Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants program was launched last year to help repair heritage sites impacted by extreme weather events, particularly to help small community organisations that needed more support after their insurance and damages were assessed following the October 2022 floods.

Victoria’s heritage sites contribute approximately $2.4 billion each year towards the state’s tourism industry and support around 185,000 jobs.

For a full list of successful projects visit: https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/heritage-grants

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny: “We’re not just restoring heritage landmarks – we’re ensuring these sites are better equipped to withstand future floods and natural disasters that come their way.”

“By supporting the recovery of these much-loved landmarks, we’re making sure they remain a source of pride, identity, and connection for their communities while keeping them alive as part of our state’s rich history.”