Nine Yass Valley Heritage Projects Receive $19,000 in Funding

All we need to do is look out of our windows to appreciate that we live on beautiful Ngunnawal land, surrounded by rich Aboriginal and European history. It is so important that this history is shared, honoured and maintained, and last week Council took a step towards this aim by announcing that nine local heritage projects have received $19,000 in funding under Yass Valley Council’s 2021/22 Local Heritage Grants Program.

Heritage NSW manages the Local Heritage Grants Program each year in collaboration with Council. The grants aim to contribute to the preservation of structures of historical value and to foster positive attitudes towards heritage and conservation.

This year’s recipients include:
• Binalong Mechanics Institute - $2500
• Cooma Cottage, Yass - $1500
• The Caledonia Store, Gundaroo - $2075
• Binalong General Store - $3000
• Darcyville, Yass - $2000
• Bowning Hall - $3300
• St James Church, Bowning - $625
• St Mark’s Church, Gundaroo - $2000
• Former Parsonage, Yass - $2000

Binalong General Store was built in 1909, and owners, Timothy Wild and Hon Hooi Lim, said the funding received would be put to good use by replacing the leaking roof with materials that will maintain the original look and feel of the building.

Mr Wild went on to say that “It’s our intention to fully restore the General Store inside and out, and hopefully add another 100-plus years to its existence. We are very grateful for the funding, and once renovated, we hope to encourage and promote local produce to be sold within the store.”

Yass Valley Mayor, Rowena Abbey, said it was great to see a variety of applicants from across the local government area apply for the 2021/22 Local Heritage Grants Program.

“I would like to thank everyone who applied this year and I strongly encourage those unsuccessful to try again next year,” she said.

• Topics:

• History
• Local Council