Tamworth Regional Council is pleased to announce that applications are open for their 2023 – 2024 Heritage Assistance Fund. A total of $60,000 has been allocated in funding assistance for the maintenance and repairs of historic buildings in the region.
The Heritage Assistance Fund covers works such as external paint, repairs and replacement of certain features like verandahs, roofs and fences, in residential and commercial buildings. All grants provided are on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Tamworth Regional Council Heritage Working Group chair, Councillor Helen Tickle, strongly encourages owners of heritage buildings to apply.
"The Heritage Assistance Fund is a Council initiative to assist owners of historically significant properties to make physical improvements to their buildings." Councillor Tickle said.
"I would like to especially encourage owners of properties in commercial precincts across our region to consider seeking funding this financial year."
Rhiannon Graham, a 2022-23 recipient of the Tamworth Heritage Assistance Fund, was able to use her funding allocation to upgrade the floorboards and paint work within her heritage-listed church at Limbri. The property, now called "Steeple Country Escapes", has been transformed for use as an accommodation and event site.
"I am extremely grateful that I was given a chance to upgrade and restore features of my building through the Tamworth Heritage Assistance Fund," Rhiannon said.
"There is definitely economic benefit in maintaining the façades of properties like Steeple Country Escapes. From a historical perspective, there is something super special about working to preserve a piece of history that people can interact with and stay in."
All applications for the Fund will be assessed by Council's Heritage Working Group. To be eligible for funding, projects must be completed by Friday, 26 April 2024 with successful applications eligible for the Tamworth Regional Biennial Heritage Awards in 2024.
Applications for the 2023-2024 Heritage Assistance Fund close 5pm Friday, 21 July 2023. If you would like to apply, head to Council's website:
