Owners of buildings in the region that are heritage listed, or located in a heritage precinct are encouraged to apply for Council's Heritage Assistance Fund 2024 -2025.
Tamworth Regional Council Heritage Working Group chair, Councillor Helen Tickle said successful applicants are eligible to share in over $50,000 in funding to improve the overall appearance and structure of their heritage buildings.
"The Heritage Assistance Fund is a Council initiative to assist owners of historically significant properties to make improvements to their buildings. Funding covers works such as external paint, repairs and replacement of certain features like verandahs, roofs and fences." Cr Tickle said.
The Fund, which was established by Tamworth Regional Council with the aid of grant funding from the NSW Heritage Office, is not just open to residential heritage buildings but commercial as well, with Cr Tickle urging these owners to apply.
"I would encourage owners of properties in commercial precincts across our region to consider seeking funding this year. Property owners will not only be investing in their business, but also the preservation of our regions history." Cr Tickle said
Wayne Mauger and Marianne Buchan have been successful applicants in previous rounds of funding and have had a wonderful experience restoring the cottage and out buildings on their farm in Woolomin, not just for themselves but the entire community.
"We have loved seeing the excitement of people that live near us and those who actually lived in the cottage nearly 100 years ago. Two sisters who are now in their late 90's have visited and told us of their fond memories. The family now even hold their annual get togethers here on our farm" Ms Buchan said.
They encourage other locals with heritage properties to apply for the up to dollar-for-dollar funding, as it helped give them a push to continue their restoration works.
"The Heritage assistance program has given us the incentive both financially and personally to complete this project, it has been a real project of love for my husband."
