A record $8.65 million has been awarded to 140 grant recipients to boost the protection and restoration of heritage sites across NSW, under the 2025-27 NSW Heritage Grants Program.
The NSW Government has increased the total investment by $2.65 million from the previous round, to recognise the importance of preserving and celebrating heritage for generations to come.
These new grants will deliver huge wins for heritage conservation in every corner of the state, with 103 awarded in regional NSW and 37 in Sydney – boosting community access and engagement with heritage across all of NSW.
Two projects have received a major Activating State Heritage Grant worth $1 million each to bring a state significant site to life, allowing people to connect more deeply with heritage. They’re the largest grants ever awarded under this decades-long grant program.
These grants will see the Newcastle Post Office and Victoria Theatre revitalised to enable these iconic heritage-listed sites to re-open their doors to the public, reinstating them as cornerstone attractions in Newcastle.
Other recipients include everything from hotels, museums, churches and town halls to parks, cemeteries and cultural landmarks, across three grant categories.
Caring for State Heritage Grants
$4.23 million has been invested in 44 heritage projects, including the 19th century Bushranger Hotel at Goulburn, Wollongong’s North Beach Kiosk, Maitland’s Town Hall and Sydney’s History House, to ensure they are safeguarded for future generations.
They also include the 150-year-old iconic Toganmain Woolshed, the largest remaining woolshed in the Riverina region. Conservation works will help protect the building’s integrity including restoring the shearers’ quarters with the original chimneys, ovens and hearths.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Grants
Nearly $200,000 has been shared between Aboriginal Places at Brungle Cemetery, St Clair Mission Church School, Cooroboree Ground, Beemunnel Reserve, Birubi Point and Collingwood Parklands. This will ensure their cultural significance is respected and maintained.
For example, the seating and viewing area at Birubi Point Aboriginal Place will be restored, providing visitor amenity away from culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.
Local Government Heritage Grants
$2.225 million will enable 89 councils to identify and protect places and stories that define their character. Each council will receive $25,000 to fund heritage initiatives at the local level.
For the complete list of the successful grant recipients and their projects, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding.
Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said: “Our record investment highlights the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to preserving the historic places that matter the most – whether it is iconic buildings, local landmarks or sites of deep Aboriginal cultural significance.
“Our many and diverse heritage places tell the stories of NSW. These grants will help ensure these special places are restored and protected for more people to enjoy.
“These heritage sites will also be a drawcard for visitors and beacons for local communities into the future.”
