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Heritage buildings, areas, landscapes and other places of heritage value provide a window to the past and to the origins of our communities.
There are over two hundred and fifty individual heritage properties and 16 precincts containing 914 properties throughout the City of Whitehorse. These buildings add interest, character and a sense of identity to the neighbourhoods in which they are located. The buildings and areas subject to a Heritage Overlay are considered to be the best examples of their type within Whitehorse.
These buildings may have historical, architectural, social, technological, cultural or scientific significance or any combination of these. The conservation and enhancement of these buildings is critical if the heritage of this municipality is to be preserved.
Identifying and listing places on heritage registers or lists is the first step in protecting and managing heritage places.
In Victoria, there are three different types of statutory listing:
- National Heritage List administered by the Australian Heritage Council
- Victorian Heritage Register administered by the Victorian Heritage Council
- Heritage Overlays administered by Local Government
Various steps need to be taken before a place is entered on these lists and specific criteria must be met. The nomination process requires considerable preparation and research.
In addition to statutory lists, heritage registers are also compiled by organisations such as the National Trust Australia and the Art Deco and Modernism Society of Australia Inc. Such community registers provide information on heritage significance, but they do not provide legal protection.
Heritage Assistance Fund
Council has a keen interest in protecting its history and recognises that maintaining heritage can sometimes be a difficult and expensive task. The Whitehorse Heritage Assistance Fund provides financial support to individuals, community groups and organisations for the purposes of improving the condition and appearance of heritage buildings. Such works might include repairing leadlight windows, painting, replacing guttering, rotted door frames, verandahs or front steps.
The Fund has operated since 2005 and has assisted hundreds of heritage properties.
All owners or occupiers of eligible buildings covered by a Heritage Overlay in Whitehorse will receive information in the mail about the Fund. Each heritage grant may fund up to 100 per cent of the total project cost to a maximum of $2,000. A total of $40,000 will be available for this year’s fund.
Further information is available at Heritage Assistance Fund.
More information
To find out more information concerning heritage, visit Heritage Victoria
