Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is encouraging community organisations throughout the electorate to apply for up to $15,000 in funds under the Community Heritage Grants Program.

“These grants can help local libraries, museums, historical societies and other organisations preserve significant collections,” Mr Taylor said.

“Old letters, diaries, photographs and artefacts are invaluable items that give us an insight into our past. These grants can make all the difference in preserving our community history for future generations.”

Several Hume organisations have been successful grant recipients under this program in the past.

In 2016 Goulburn Historic Waterworks received $3000 to preserve historic documents, and, in 2015 St Clair Museum received a grant for the restoration of an 1897 Australian Horse Brigade uniform.

Since the program started more than 20 years ago, it has provided more than $6 million to over 1200 projects across the country.

“I encourage any groups in Hume who look after a collection to apply,” Mr Taylor said.

“The program also offers collection management training workshops to community organisations to assist staff and volunteers to preserve significant items.”

The program is an important way of protecting culturally significant items in our regions and connecting community groups with our national institutions to share their knowledge and expertise.

Applications opened March 6 and close on Monday May 8 2017.

The guidelines and application form are available at: www.nla.gov.au/awards-and-grants/chg