The business papers for yesterdays Hilltops Council meeting has released the recommended allocation of money for the Heritage Fund grants. These were still subject to approval at last night’s meeting. Between 18 August and 18 September, Hilltops Council advertised the availability of grants from Council’s Local Heritage Fund for privately owned items that have been listed as local heritage items or identified as having local significance.
These grants are to assist with conservation and restoration work. Council say it is recommended that the grants be allocated from the fund based on the recommendations provided by Council’s Heritage Advisor. Hilltops Council has established a Local Heritage Fund to support conservation and restoration works on privately owned items listed on the Hilltops LEP Heritage Schedules and places identified as having local significance. 
The total budgeted amount for the combined fund is $5,500.00. Owners of the types of properties approved by Council’s criteria were invited to obtain an information and application package regarding the local heritage fund. St Joseph’s Convent in Boorowa asked for $5,500 for replacement works. Old General Store in Galong asked for $5,385 for upgrade works. St Marys Catholic Church in Young asked for $4,735 for replacement works. Orizaba Shearers Hut in Murringo asked for $5,500 for repairs and minor works. Galong Memorial Hall asked for $3,465 for maintenance works. The Calabash in Murringo asked for $3,150 for restoration works. St Mary’s Convent in Murrumburrah asked for $4,000 for repairs. All of these establishments received $780. Orizaba Shearers Hut total work costs amount to $20,550, which means Councils recommendation will fund under four percent of the total cost.
The Galong Old General Store asked for the grant money to replace four broken glass panes in original shop front windows and paint the awning. Also secure loose pressed metal panels on the attached building and paint the facades. They believed this would enhance the overall appearance in keeping the original character of the buildings. Their application said, “the project will support regional economies i.e. people traveling to St Clements Retreat drive down this street and enjoy the streetscape of this small country town.
Also, community pride in having such a grand building in their town. Many people stop and take photos of the buildings.” “The initiative has already been taken to restore, preserve and maintain these buildings, as well as Bush’s/Lukes Garage and the Royal Hotel by us. It is hoped that it adds to the enjoyment for visitors to the Hilltops Region as a whole. “The Creativity is to continue preserving these buildings. Galong is the first small town in the Hilltops Region when traveling off Trunk Road B94 Burley Griffin Way. The Monastery and Cemetery have a lot of visitors that pass through Galong and many stop and take photos and have a chat.
The interior would make a great venue for artists of various media to collectively create together in an enjoyable space.” Hilltops Council recommends not to deny any of the seven applicants, however the cash component may pay a qualified tradesperson for a day or a day and a half at best at currents rates, before any materials are purchased. It appears yet again, Hilltops doesn’t have the funds necessary to make a meaningful difference to these projects. 
