The total fund of $25,000 has been provided by council and the NSW Heritage Office to encourage kick start projects with joint funding.

Funds are available to reinstate or repair heritage items with priority given to state listed heritage items within the Upper Hunter Shire Local Environment Plan (LEP) 2013.

Projects could include repair, maintenance or reinstatement of missing items on heritage buildings including fences, verandahs, roof cladding and decorative details.

The co-owners of B&B on Bettington in Merriwa, Peter and Pam Lott, received help from the Fund in 2012 to help maintain the iconic former bank building built in 1916, which is now accommodation.

“We appreciate the funds council offered,” Mr Lott said.

“It’s a high building so everything is more expensive because you need scaffolding and the $1000 helped toward the cost of painting the building trims.”

Lauris Farquar, of Blandford, received this heritage financial assistance in 2013 for her roof restoration. 

She said the grant made the financial cost that little bit easier as the roof had to be repaired due to a storm.

“I would encourage everyone who is eligible to apply for this financial assistance to preserve and retain the preservation of all heritage items in the Upper Hunter Shire,” Ms Farquar said.

The current round of funding will close at the end of April 2015.

Council has written to more than 200 owners and managers of Upper Hunter heritage items inviting them to apply and providing the Local Heritage Assistance Fund Application Form and Guidelines. 

Copies are also available on council’s website www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au under Do It Online/Apply for It/Heritage