Hawkesbury City Council recognizes the importance of both its Aboriginal and colonial heritage, highlighting the unique charm of the region. To foster a positive attitude toward heritage conservation and restoration, the Council offers an annual Local Heritage Assistance Fund, supported by Heritage NSW.
The focus for the 2024/2025 funding round is on providing financial assistance for the preservation and maintenance of Hawkesbury’s significant early settlement timber slab barns and outbuildings within the Local Government Area. While the primary aim is to safeguard these iconic structures, projects involving minor maintenance or conservation of other heritage items may also be eligible for consideration, depending on available funds.
Property owners with heritage-listed locations in the Hawkesbury are encouraged to submit their applications for funding assistance. Detailed information, including the application form and guidelines, can be found at www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-build/heritage/hawkesbury-local-heritage-assistance-fund.
Typically, the funding available per applicant or property is $2,000 on a dollar-for-dollar basis, meaning for every dollar of grant funding, an equal amount must be contributed privately. However, this year, the Council is open to considering funding projects without the need for a co-contribution, particularly for cases where there’s a critical need for preservation and financial hardship is demonstrated.
The deadline for submission is Sunday, March 9, 2025. For inquiries regarding the Local Heritage Assistance Fund, interested parties can reach out to the Council’s Senior Heritage Officer at (02) 4560 4444 or via email at [email protected]. This initiative is a significant opportunity for the community to engage in preserving the rich heritage of the Hawkesbury region.
