Nominate heritage icons

The list reveals the richness and diversity of Australia’s extraordinarily natural environment and the Hawkesbury is no exception and is home to many of these iconic places.  

Macquarie MP Louise Markus said “National Heritage places capture the diversity of stories that have helped to shape our great nation and inform our sense of self. 

“They tell the stories of our colonial history and the development of modern Australia and chart the complex cultural contributions Indigenous Australians have made to our nation.’’

This year the National Heritage List has surpassed the major milestone of more than 100 places.

‘‘We’re now adding to this with additional places that are important to our story as a nation,’’ Ms Markus said.

“I would encourage people and groups in Hawkesbury to consider nominating places within the local area that are of historic or environmental value to be considered for addition to the list,” Mrs Markus said.

In particular, the Federal Government is calling for nominations of Australia’s historic benevolent institutions. 

Nominations for the National Heritage List close on February 6.  

For more information: www.environment.gov.au/heritage/about/national

There's $6.5 million of heritage grants available across NSW and community groups in the Hawkesbury are encouraged to apply for a share.

The funding enables local government areas to protect and preserve cultural and architectural heritage.

The 2015-16 and 2016-17 program will provide:

■ $550,000 for Aboriginal heritage places;

■ $1,009,749 for community, youth and seniors heritage projects;

■ $2,420,000 for State Heritage Register-listed places, including $2.2 million for major works projects; and

■ $2,356,000 for local heritage places.

Applications close January 16, 2015.

For more information go to the website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au.