Judy Maddigan has applauded the new heritage scheme launched by the Minister for Planning Justin Madden today, as the Moonee Valley area has a number of important heritage buildings, for example the old Moonee Ponds Court House, Queens Park Cottage, the Walter Burley Griffin Incinerator.
The new scheme "Top-Up: The Community Co-contribution Heritage Funding Scheme will allow local community groups to restore and repair heritage places or objects. They will be able to use the National Trust External Appeals System to manage their fundraising accounts and provide tax-deductible status to donations for their projects
Judy said "This should provide an avenue that has not been open to community groups before, to enable them not only to attract donations form local people but also to provide support for their projects."
In addition there are grants of up to $10,000 ( Government top-Up Grant) to assist groups trying to reach their fundraising targets.
To be eligible, heritage places or objects must be owned or managed by a not-for-profit community group, accessible to the public and listed on either the local council heritage overlay, Victorian Heritage Register, National Trust Register or National Heritage List.
Community groups have until 29 May 2009 to apply to participate in the scheme.
For more information, contact the office of Judy Maddigan on ph: 9370 7777 or visit www.nattrust.com.au/donations_appeals/external_appeals.