Two ladies in nurses uniforms standing either side of an old car that is covered in Red Cross logos and images.
Mrs Fisher and Mrs Vaughan with a Red Cross float entered in the 'Back to Brim' parade, Easter 1983, courtesy Australian Red Cross Heritage Archives.

Applications are now open for the 2024 Community Heritage Grants (CHG) program. The CHG program offers cash grants of up to $20,000 to community organisations. The grants support organisations to preserve and manage collections that have Australian cultural and historical significance.

The CHG program is celebrating 30 years this year. Since it was first run in 1994, the CHG program has provided over $8.9 million in funding to over 900 organisations for more than 1,650 projects nationally.

‘Over the course of 3 decades, CHG has become a constant and trusted source of support in the heritage sector. It is pleasing that the original purpose of the program in 1994 – to assist groups across Australia who are responsible for nationally significant collections – remains at its heart. CHG is still looking out for volunteer-run historical societies and museums, groups that have become custodians of unique heritage material, and Indigenous and multicultural groups to ensure that these collections can remain within their communities and region,’ said Fiona Clarke, Assistant Director, Collaboration Branch.

Last year, $459,987 was shared between 59 regional and community groups, including Adaminaby Snowy Scheme Collection, Cherbourg Ration Shed Collection, Ethnic Community Broadcasting Association of Victoria, Flying Boat Museum (Lake Boga) and Callaway Centre (Perth) and many others.

Historical societies, regional museums, archives and galleries are invited to apply, including Indigenous and multicultural organisations. The grants enable groups to work with consultants to undertake significance assessments and preservation needs assessments and based on these reports, deliver preservation and conservation, collection management, and digitisation activities. Funding is also available for training workshops.

‘CHG offers many benefits for small groups that are seeking professional support and to build their own collection skills and knowledge. We encourage applicants to read the guidelines and visit the website to see examples of past CHG projects. And if you have queries, the CHG team are available to provide further advice,’ Ms Clarke said.

New applications close midnight (AEST) on Thursday 9 May 2024. Previous CHG program recipients and proposals for training projects have an extended deadline, with applications closing on Tuesday 4 June 2024.

To find out more and apply visit nla.gov.au/chg.

CHG is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the ArtsNational Library of Australia; the National Archives of Australia; the National Film and Sound Archive and the National Museum of Australia.

Examples of funded projects

Emerald and District Museum

The Emerald Museum was established in 1969. Located in the heritage listed Nobelius Heritage Park, the Museum showcases a wide range of items relating to the history of the former Gembrook / C. A. Nobelius & Sons Nursery, as well as Emerald and surrounding districts. The Museum is managed by a volunteer committee with support from the Cardinia Shire Council. The Museum has received 5 Community Heritage Grants in the past 20 years, including a significance and preservation needs assessment of the Nobelius Collection, which documents the company that, at one time, was the largest fruit and ornamental tree exporter in the southern hemisphere. Last year they secured funding to digitise 23 Nobelius Ledgers and Catalogues from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with longer-term plans to add the digitised material to Trove. Museum staff are excited that this valuable research material on Australia’s horticulture, environment and business history will reach new audiences.

Australian Red Cross (Heritage Archives)

Australian Red Cross was established at the outbreak of the First World War and by 1945 was the largest charitable organisation in the country. During that time, it has tirelessly delivered a wide range of community services, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s history. The Heritage Archives was established in the 1990s to care for a diverse collection including over 700 films dating from 1948 to early 21st century. The films include short educational features, training, live event footage and fundraising promotions. Unfortunately staff no longer have the equipment to view many of the films and are concerned that others require urgent conservation treatment. The Heritage Archives secured funds for a significance assessment in the 2023 Round. The films are now being prepared to be viewed for the qualified museum consultant who will commence the project this month. This is an exciting and very timely project as the Australian Red Cross celebrates its 110th anniversary.

CHG Contact

chg@nla.gov.au

Additional Information

Images for media use are available for download via Dropbox.

Contact

Mirelle O'Mara, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

M: 0401 226 697

E: media@nla.gov.au