RE-ISSUED: $1 million in funding to protect and showcase Queensland’s historic places

Published Friday, 19 July, 2024 at 02:18 PM

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef and Minister for Science and Innovation
The Honourable Leanne Linard

Note: the version of this media release published earlier did not include the list of events funded under the Showcasing Queensland Heritage pilot program.

  • The owners and custodians of some of Queensland’s heritage-listed places will share in more than $1 million in grant funding for projects that will preserve and promote places on the Queensland Heritage Register.
  • Twenty-six projects will receive $849,373 in grants under the latest round of the Community Sustainability Action Grants program
  • A further 11 projects will receive $174,656 under the new Showcasing Queensland Heritage pilot program

The owners and custodians of some of Queensland’s most iconic buildings and historic sites are set to share in more than $1 million in grant funding from the Miles Government.

Twenty-six projects will receive grants totalling $849,373 under the latest round of the government’s Community Sustainability Action (CSA) Grants for Community Heritage.

A further 11 projects will share in funding totalling $174,656 under a new one-off pilot grant program called Showcasing Queensland Heritage.

Under the CSA grant program, grants of up to $50,000 were available for projects that will preserve and promote places on the Queensland Heritage Register.

Some of the funded projects include repairing the side veranda of the Federal Hotel in Childers, improving accessibility to the Blackall Woolscour, conserving the stained-glass windows of Toowoomba’s St Luke’s Anglican Church, and replacing the roof of Redcliffe’s heritage-listed former fire station.

The Showcasing Queensland Heritage pilot program provided grants of between $5000 and $50,000 to support groups to host community events that encourage and promote the understanding, appreciation, and engagement with heritage-listed places in their local area.

The Southern Downs Steam Railway Association will receive $5000 to host an open day celebrating Queensland’s rich railway history at the historic Warwick Railway Station, while the Croydon Shire Council will receive $40,000 to support the 2025 Heritage Festival. A highlight of the festival will be the grand re-opening of Croydon’s heritage-listed Chinese Temple site.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard:

“The Miles Government is doing what matters by working to protect and showcase heritage places.

“Queensland has a rich and vibrant history, with the Queensland Heritage Register featuring a diverse array of almost 1800 places including public buildings, schools, industrial sites, homes, hotels and churches that showcase Queensland’s unique history.

“We will continue to work closely with community groups, local councils and place owners to conserve our heritage-listed places, and to identify potential new places to add to the register.

“The owners and custodians of our heritage-listed places play an important role in preserving our state’s history and these grants will ensure these historically significant sites will continue to be protected and enjoyed for many years to come.”

Further information:

Full list of projects to receive CSA grants for Community Heritage:

Recipient name

Heritage-listed place

Project description

Funding amount

Macadamia Rose Pty Ltd

Federal Hotel, Childers

This project will conserve the Hotel by replacing deteriorated stumps at one section to level the building, and replace bearers and joists on the side verandah

$49,999

Marbelle Pty Ltd ATF The Guymer Family Trust

Alfredson’s Joinery, Pre-Cut House Workshop and Sawmill, Cooran

This project will replace the roof section and bow gutters to extend the life of the building for continued showcasing to the Cooran public

$40,910

Sally Smith

St Andrew’s Presbyterian Memorial Church, Innisfail

This project will complete maintenance on the roof ensuring it remains a vital part of the Innisfail community and a destination for visitors to the area

$14,000

Historical Woolscour Association Inc

Blackall Woolscour

This project will complete the restoration and conservation works to the Woolscour’s timber structures so it can remain accessible to visitors and support local tourism in Blackall

$25,000

Anglican Parish of Woolloongabba

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Woolloongabba

This project will complete urgent repairs and waterproofing to prevent further water ingress and protect the heritage features of the church to ensure continued access for community programs

$11,708

John and Diana Lynch

Aldborough, Charters Towers

This project will replace the external stairs and font entry portico so that Aldborough House will be accessible to locals and tourists for events and viewings

$45,938

Anglican Parish of St Luke, Diocese of Brisbane

St Luke’s Anglican Church, Toowoomba

This project will complete repairs towards the conservation of the St Cecilia stained glass windows within the church

$14,250

Vaughan Baker

Old Bullamon Homestead, Thallon

This project will provide new signage to the Old Bullamon Homestead to enhance visitor experiences

$25,000

Geoffrey and Michelle Trost

Crows Nest Post Office

This project will conserve the Crows Nest Post Office for patrons by rejuvenating the lantern shroud, and replacing the roofing, guttering and downpipes

$50,000

Maryborough Anglican Parish

St Paul’s Anglican Church and Hall, Maryborough

This project will reinforce the interior walls of the church to enhance the building’s strength ensuring it remains a vital part of the Maryborough community

$31,275

The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane

St Mary’s Anglican Church, Kangaroo Point

This project will enhance the visitor and tourist experience by developing an interactive 3D virtual reality tour of the interior and exterior of the church, as well as LED signage and digital media

$9,128

JR & KE Curtain

Carroll Cottage, Kingaroy

This project will replace the cottage’s deteriorated roof which will contribute towards enhanced public access

$17,500

Tablelands Regional Council

Majestic Picture Theatre, Malanda

This project will address water-related damage and repainting of the exterior so that it continues to attract local and regional visitors

$50,000

Goondiwindi Regional Council

Customs House Museum, Goondiwindi

This project involves the restumping of the main building so that it remains accessible to visitors and promotes local tourism

$48,000

Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Bankfoot House, Glass House Mountains

This project will restore the shingle roof of the Bankfoot House dairy to ensure it remains open to the public and continues to offer a variety of programs including heritage education

$14,368

The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane

Corpus Christi Church, Nundah

This project aims to waterproof and undertake roof repairs to the church to ensure its continued useability for continued use by the parish and wider community

$50,000

South Burnett Regional Council

Boondoomba Homestead, Boondoomba

This project will restore the homestead’s roof and rainwater system to ensure continued community access to the site – an important tourist attraction for the region

$50,000

Presbyterian Church of Queensland

St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Spring Hill

This project will restore the deteriorating sandstone and undertake waterproofing to protect the structural integrity of the building and establish a safe environment for the community

$50,000

The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane – Parish Grants

Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Bowen Hills

This project will repair the roof and establish a Conservation Management Plan to ensure the church’s continued use by the parish community, not-for-profit groups and other community events and functions

$50,000

Torbreck Home Units Limited

Torbreck Home Units, Highgate Hill

This project will conserve Torbreck Tower by inspecting and repairing for the safety and enjoyment of its residents and visitors

$40,927

National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Limited

Royal Bull’s Head Inn, Toowoomba

This project will preserve and protect the historical integrity of the building by conducting repairs and restoration across the property. The works will allow for the reopening of areas to the public, maintain the structural stability and improve the appeal of the inn for visitors

$50,000

The Corporation of the Diocesan Synod of North Queensland

St David’s Anglican Church and Raintrees (Samanea Saman), Mossman

This project will undertake repair works to the roof and walls of the church. Restoration of the roof and rainwater system to its original state will ensure long-term attraction of tourists and the Mossman community

$50,000

Suzanne Baines and Wiss Universal Providers Pty Ltd

Wiss Brothers Store and Dwelling, Kalbar

This project will undertake repairs to the cottage and reconstruction of the original fencing, with the heritage values of the building maintained and promoted in the community

$12,540

Bundaberg Regional Council

East Water Tower, Bundaberg

This project will develop a Conservation Management Plan for the water tower which will provide guidance for the ongoing conservation of the site and allow enhanced appreciation and public access. The plan will explore opportunity to allow public access and enhanced interpretation of the site including digital technologies

$10,130

City of Moreton Bay

Redcliffe Fire Station

This project will halt water ingress to the former fire station by replacing the roof over the original section of the building. This will ensure the former station can continue to serve as a vibrant community space

$25,000

Blackheath & Thornburgh College

Thornburgh House

This project will undertake a review of the current condition of Thornburgh House including a structural assessment of the staircase. This review will inform future conservation and ensure the public and members of the community continue to access and learn about the history of the house and grounds

$13,700

Full list of events to receive funding under the Showcasing Heritage Grants:

Recipient name

Event name

Event description

Funding amount

Southern Downs Steam Railway Assoc Inc

Warwick Railway Station Open Day

This event aims to foster a deep connection between the community and its cultural heritage. By revitalizing the historic Warwick Railway Station, the event seeks to create a dynamic space where residents and visitors can engage with Queensland's rich railway history. Through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs, the event will illuminate the station's pivotal role in the region's development. The event will celebrate the station's legacy, promoting public interest and participation. Collaborations with local schools and organisations will ensure wide-reaching engagement, particularly among youth, instilling a sense of pride and stewardship for heritage conservation. This initiative will transform the Warwick Railway Station into a vibrant hub of cultural heritage, enhancing community understanding, appreciation, and involvement in preserving Queensland's historical treasures.

$5,000

Ipswich City Council

Galvanised: A Festival of Heritage

As one of Queensland’s oldest provincial cities, Ipswich (Tulmur) is renowned for its architectural places, Indigenous heritage, and natural landscapes. Ipswich proudly conserves and continues to utilise many of its historical buildings and homes, with 6000+ local heritage-listed sites. Council is committed to recognising and protecting the city’s history and heritage for both the current community and future generations. Galvanized - A Festival of Heritage was developed in 2021 to celebrate the unique history and heritage of Ipswich, bringing to life the region's past in ways that are meaningful to locals and visitors alike, while also integrating a new, contemporary wave of creativity. The festival brings together diverse heritage offerings via a carefully curated program of events, each showcasing the breadth and diversity of our history. Visitors to the city and existing community members are afforded experiences that provide opportunities to form a deep understanding and connection to the past. The 2024 program will include First Nations performances, workshops and Indigenous food experiences, the Baker’s Ball – a recreation of a WWII Victory progressive dinner, blacksmithing and fibre arts workshops, walking tours of heritage-listed buildings and houses, guided bus tours, pub tours of Ipswich’s various historic watering holes, and a range of exhibitions and open days at heritage-listed venues such as the Queensland Museum Rail Workshop, Ipswich Art Gallery and Woodlands of Marburg.

$40,000

The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane

Hildefest, Wooloongabba

Holy Trinity Anglican Church is a prominent landmark in the Woolloongabba area with a rich history. It has a long record of community connections which have been challenged in recent times with changes to the built environment and demographics of the area. This festival is designed to re-engage the contemporary urban renewal community with some of the heritage this site represents. Members of the wider community who would otherwise never visit the precinct will be engaged with music, art, and informative presentations/workshops within the unique ambience of the historic church. Attendees will have ample opportunities to explore the building, its many memorials including its stained-glass windows, and its surrounds. There will be information brochures & displays as well as volunteers on hand to answer questions and provide anecdotes.  The performances and presentations will showcase the potential of the venue for wider and varied community access.

$2832

Brisbane Open House Limited

Brisbane Open House 2024

As a member of the Open House Worldwide global network, Brisbane Open House is a free annual event providing residents and visitors with the rare opportunity to discover the hidden wealth of architecture, engineering and history in buildings and places around Brisbane. Selected buildings are opened for the public with guided and self-guided tours to encourage visitors to explore, re-examine, and engage with Brisbane’s built environment. The 2024 program will focus on New Farm, our nominated Village of Brisbane for 2024. We will be working with New Farm & Districts Historical Society to showcase the numerous wonderful heritage and historical aspects of New Farm. Heritage buildings and places across Brisbane will be open as part of the BOH program for the public to discover and engage with. Each venue is different in what they offer, there are immersive tours, activities and activations. We will also establish several key walks focused on heritage-listed buildings and places in Brisbane. These will become legacy items for this year’s event and will have the opportunity for inclusion into our ever-expanding guided walking tours in Brisbane.

$25,000

The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane

Our Lady of Victories Centenary Celebration, Bowen Hills

The church is a WWI memorial of State significance. Its blue cross is an iconic landmark on the Brisbane landscape. This event is a fantastic way to engage multiple audiences with its history, to rediscover its significance, and to re-engage with past and present parishioners and families who have attended, been married and celebrated family milestones. The grant will be used to purchase exhibition materials and create a separate event landing page - both of which will last longer than the event and broaden more lasting community engagement, leading up to during, and following the centenary event. Technical support will be sought for the landing page and supplemented by volunteer hours. The display materials will be able to be reused beyond the event as continuing community and schools heritage education.

$5,000

Croydon Shire Council

2025 Heritage Festival – Chinese Temple Grand Opening

Interaction with visitors to Croydon in NW QLD demonstrates that, presently, there is a lack of understanding and appreciation in the travelling community of the role Chinese migrants played in the opening of outback settlements and the establishment of successful industries and communities. This event aims to broaden the experiences and expectations of travellers and locals alike about Croydon’s heritage places and their connection with Chinese settlement. This event will centre on a grand re-opening of the Chinese Temple Site. The refurbishment of this important site has seen major investment from Council. Many events will be held at or near this site and/or reflect Chinese culture. This event, held in the tourism high season, will centre on the contribution of these migrants in the early success of Croydon and ongoing presence in the region. Locals and visitors will be invited and encouraged to discover the diversity that was present on the goldfields of the 19th century and in present-day Croydon.

$40,000

Gold Coast Open House Architecture Festival Inc

Gold Coast Open House 2024

Gold Coast Open House supports the conservation of cultural heritage places by generating public appreciation of how these places shaped our city's identity, culture, historical evolution, community stories and sense of place.  By raising awareness of heritage-listed places, we can encourage owners to celebrate their places for future heritage listing.  Gold Coast Open House program includes local and state-listed heritage places that most people would not ordinarily get access to. The opening of these heritage places provides opportunities for the public to form positive opinions about the importance of conserving these assets.  The guided tours are conducted by experienced volunteers with heritage knowledge and credentials.  The tours also discuss the cultural significance of each place, along with the unique architecture and construction.

$10,000

Empire Theatres Pty Ltd

Empire Theatre Kids Tours

The Thrive on Arts Festival attracts thousands of visitors across the 4 days of the festival. We would like to develop a history tour with our youngest patrons in mind. We will engage a script writer with a unique connection to the space and experience writing for young people to showcase the deep historical significance of the Empire Theatre and the Empire Church Theatre.

$15,000

Southport Surf Life Saving Club Inc

Celebrating A Century of Surf Lifesaving: The Heritage Journey of Southport Surf Life Saving Club

The interpretive exhibit within the heritage-listed Pavilion will serve as a vibrant platform for educating and engaging the community with Queensland's heritage, particularly its lifesaving culture. By showcasing a century of the Club's history through a variety of engaging mediums—ranging from hands-on activities to high-tech displays—the event will highlight the evolution and significance of lifesaving as part of Queensland's coastal heritage. This immersive experience, designed to stimulate curiosity and provide educational insights, will deepen visitors' appreciation for the historical and ongoing contributions of surf lifesaving to community safety and Queensland's cultural landscape.

$4,300

Sunshine Coast Open House

Sunshine Coast Open House

Sunshine Coast Open House objectives include increased engagement with Sunshine Coast residents and visitors through the promotion of both contemporary and historical architecture and design attractions of the region.The SCOH events aim to present a diversity of quality architectural experiences including new buildings, heritage places, sustainable subtropical design, designed landscapes and public art, as well as informative seminars, tours, and special events.

$25,000

Aramac Community Development Association

Aramac Town Reunion

Celebrating 100 years of the Aramac WWI monument will encourage the community to come together and understand the importance and meaning of our town's history.

$2,524

More information about the Community Sustainability Action Grants for Community Heritage is available here.

More information about the Showcasing Queensland Heritage grants is available here.

ENDS

Media contact: Scott Chandler – (07) 3719 7339