The owners and custodians of some of Queensland’s most iconic buildings and historic sites are set to share in more than $1 million in grant funding from the State Government.
Twenty-six projects will receive grants totalling $849,373 under the latest round of the government’s Community Sustainability Action (CSA) Grants for Community Heritage.
A further 11 projects will share in funding totalling $174,656 under a new one-off pilot grant program called Showcasing Queensland Heritage.
“Queensland has a rich and vibrant history, with the Queensland Heritage Register featuring a diverse array of almost 1,800 places including public buildings, schools, industrial sites, homes, hotels and churches that showcase Queensland’s unique history,” said Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard.
“We will continue to work closely with community groups, local councils and place owners to conserve our heritage-listed places, and to identify potential new places to add to the register.
“The owners and custodians of our heritage-listed places play an important role in preserving our state’s history and these grants will ensure these historically significant sites will continue to be protected and enjoyed for many years to come.”
Under the CSA grant program, grants of up to $50,000 were available for projects that will preserve and promote places on the Queensland Heritage Register.
Some of the funded projects include repairing the side veranda of the Federal Hotel in Childers, improving accessibility to the Blackall Woolscour, conserving the stained-glass windows of Toowoomba’s St Luke’s Anglican Church, and replacing the roof of Redcliffe’s heritage-listed former fire station.
The Showcasing Queensland Heritage pilot program provided grants of between $5000 and $50,000 to support groups to host community events that encourage and promote the understanding, appreciation, and engagement with heritage-listed places in their local area.
The Southern Downs Steam Railway Association will receive $5,000 to host an open day celebrating Queensland’s rich railway history at the historic Warwick Railway Station, while the Croydon Shire Council will receive $40,000 to support the 2025 Heritage Festival. A highlight of the festival will be the grand re-opening of Croydon’s heritage-listed Chinese Temple site.
The projects to receive CSA grants for Community Heritage are:
| Recipient name | Heritage-listed place | Project description | Funding amount |
| Macadamia Rose Pty Ltd | Federal Hotel, Childers | This project will conserve the Hotel by replacing deteriorated stumps at one section to level the building, and replace bearers and joists on the side verandah | $49,999 |
| Marbelle Pty Ltd ATF The Guymer Family Trust | Alfredson’s Joinery, Pre-Cut House Workshop and Sawmill, Cooran | This project will replace the roof section and bow gutters to extend the life of the building for continued showcasing to the Cooran public | $40,910 |
| Sally Smith | St Andrew’s Presbyterian Memorial Church, Innisfail | This project will complete maintenance on the roof ensuring it remains a vital part of the Innisfail community and a destination for visitors to the area | $14,000 |
| Historical Woolscour Association Inc | Blackall Woolscour | This project will complete the restoration and conservation works to the Woolscour’s timber structures so it can remain accessible to visitors and support local tourism in Blackall | $25,000 |
| Anglican Parish of Woolloongabba | Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Woolloongabba | This project will complete urgent repairs and waterproofing to prevent further water ingress and protect the heritage features of the church to ensure continued access for community programs | $11,708 |
| John and Diana Lynch | Aldborough, Charters Towers | This project will replace the external stairs and font entry portico so that Aldborough House will be accessible to locals and tourists for events and viewings | $45,938 |
| Anglican Parish of St Luke, Diocese of Brisbane | St Luke’s Anglican Church, Toowoomba | This project will complete repairs towards the conservation of the St Cecilia stained glass windows within the church | $14,250 |
| Vaughan Baker | Old Bullamon Homestead, Thallon | This project will provide new signage to the Old Bullamon Homestead to enhance visitor experiences | $25,000 |
| Geoffrey and Michelle Trost | Crows Nest Post Office | This project will conserve the Crows Nest Post Office for patrons by rejuvenating the lantern shroud, and replacing the roofing, guttering and downpipes | $50,000 |
| Maryborough Anglican Parish | St Paul’s Anglican Church and Hall, Maryborough | This project will reinforce the interior walls of the church to enhance the building’s strength ensuring it remains a vital part of the Maryborough community | $31,275 |
| The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane | St Mary’s Anglican Church, Kangaroo Point | This project will enhance the visitor and tourist experience by developing an interactive 3D virtual reality tour of the interior and exterior of the church, as well as LED signage and digital media | $9,128 |
| JR & KE Curtain | Carroll Cottage, Kingaroy | This project will replace the cottage’s deteriorated roof which will contribute towards enhanced public access | $17,500 |
| Tablelands Regional Council | Majestic Picture Theatre, Malanda | This project will address water-related damage and repainting of the exterior so that it continues to attract local and regional visitors | $50,000 |
| Goondiwindi Regional Council | Customs House Museum, Goondiwindi | This project involves the restumping of the main building so that it remains accessible to visitors and promotes local tourism | $48,000 |
| Sunshine Coast Regional Council | Bankfoot House, Glass House Mountains | This project will restore the shingle roof of the Bankfoot House dairy to ensure it remains open to the public and continues to offer a variety of programs including heritage education | $14,368 |
| The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane | Corpus Christi Church, Nundah | This project aims to waterproof and undertake roof repairs to the church to ensure its continued useability for continued use by the parish and wider community | $50,000 |
| South Burnett Regional Council | Boondoomba Homestead, Boondoomba | This project will restore the homestead’s roof and rainwater system to ensure continued community access to the site – an important tourist attraction for the region | $50,000 |
| Presbyterian Church of Queensland | St Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Spring Hill | This project will restore the deteriorating sandstone and undertake waterproofing to protect the structural integrity of the building and establish a safe environment for the community | $50,000 |
| The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane – Parish Grants | Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church, Bowen Hills | This project will repair the roof and establish a Conservation Management Plan to ensure the church’s continued use by the parish community, not-for-profit groups and other community events and functions | $50,000 |
| Torbreck Home Units Limited | Torbreck Home Units, Highgate Hill | This project will conserve Torbreck Tower by inspecting and repairing for the safety and enjoyment of its residents and visitors | $40,927 |
| National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Limited | Royal Bull’s Head Inn, Toowoomba | This project will preserve and protect the historical integrity of the building by conducting repairs and restoration across the property. The works will allow for the reopening of areas to the public, maintain the structural stability and improve the appeal of the inn for visitors | $50,000 |
| The Corporation of the Diocesan Synod of North Queensland | St David’s Anglican Church and Raintrees (Samanea Saman), Mossman | This project will undertake repair works to the roof and walls of the church. Restoration of the roof and rainwater system to its original state will ensure long-term attraction of tourists and the Mossman community | $50,000 |
| Suzanne Baines and Wiss Universal Providers Pty Ltd | Wiss Brothers Store and Dwelling, Kalbar | This project will undertake repairs to the cottage and reconstruction of the original fencing, with the heritage values of the building maintained and promoted in the community | $12,540 |
| Bundaberg Regional Council | East Water Tower, Bundaberg | This project will develop a Conservation Management Plan for the water tower which will provide guidance for the ongoing conservation of the site and allow enhanced appreciation and public access. The plan will explore opportunity to allow public access and enhanced interpretation of the site including digital technologies | $10,130 |
| City of Moreton Bay | Redcliffe Fire Station | This project will halt water ingress to the former fire station by replacing the roof over the original section of the building. This will ensure the former station can continue to serve as a vibrant community space | $25,000 |
| Blackheath & Thornburgh College | Thornburgh House | This project will undertake a review of the current condition of Thornburgh House including a structural assessment of the staircase. This review will inform future conservation and ensure the public and members of the community continue to access and learn about the history of the house and grounds | $13,700 |
Full list of events to receive funding under the Showcasing Heritage Grants:
| Recipient name | Event name | Event description | Funding amount |
| Southern Downs Steam Railway Assoc Inc | Warwick Railway Station Open Day | This event aims to foster a deep connection between the community and its cultural heritage. By revitalizing the historic Warwick Railway Station, the event seeks to create a dynamic space where residents and visitors can engage with Queensland’s rich railway history. Through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs, the event will illuminate the station’s pivotal role in the region’s development. The event will celebrate the station’s legacy, promoting public interest and participation. Collaborations with local schools and organisations will ensure wide-reaching engagement, particularly among youth, instilling a sense of pride and stewardship for heritage conservation. This initiative will transform the Warwick Railway Station into a vibrant hub of cultural heritage, enhancing community understanding, appreciation, and involvement in preserving Queensland’s historical treasures. | $5,000 |
| Ipswich City Council | Galvanised: A Festival of Heritage | As one of Queensland’s oldest provincial cities, Ipswich (Tulmur) is renowned for its architectural places, Indigenous heritage, and natural landscapes. Ipswich proudly conserves and continues to utilise many of its historical buildings and homes, with 6000+ local heritage-listed sites. Council is committed to recognising and protecting the city’s history and heritage for both the current community and future generations. Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage was developed in 2021 to celebrate the unique history and heritage of Ipswich, bringing to life the region’s past in ways that are meaningful to locals and visitors alike, while also integrating a new, contemporary wave of creativity. The festival brings together diverse heritage offerings via a carefully curated program of events, each showcasing the breadth and diversity of our history. Visitors to the city and existing community members are afforded experiences that provide opportunities to form a deep understanding and connection to the past. The 2024 program will include First Nations performances, workshops and Indigenous food experiences, the Baker’s Ball – a recreation of a WWII Victory progressive dinner, blacksmithing and fibre arts workshops, walking tours of heritage-listed buildings and houses, guided bus tours, pub tours of Ipswich’s various historic watering holes, and a range of exhibitions and open days at heritage-listed venues such as the Queensland Museum Rail Workshop, Ipswich Art Gallery and Woodlands of Marburg. | $40,000 |
| The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane | Hildefest, Wooloongabba | Holy Trinity Anglican Church is a prominent landmark in the Woolloongabba area with a rich history. It has a long record of community connections which have been challenged in recent times with changes to the built environment and demographics of the area. This festival is designed to re-engage the contemporary urban renewal community with some of the heritage this site represents. Members of the wider community who would otherwise never visit the precinct will be engaged with music, art, and informative presentations/workshops within the unique ambience of the historic church. Attendees will have ample opportunities to explore the building, its many memorials including its stained-glass windows, and its surrounds. There will be information brochures & displays as well as volunteers on hand to answer questions and provide anecdotes. The performances and presentations will showcase the potential of the venue for wider and varied community access. | $2832 |
| Brisbane Open House Limited | Brisbane Open House 2024 | As a member of the Open House Worldwide global network, Brisbane Open House is a free annual event providing residents and visitors with the rare opportunity to discover the hidden wealth of architecture, engineering and history in buildings and places around Brisbane. Selected buildings are opened for the public with guided and self-guided tours to encourage visitors to explore, re-examine, and engage with Brisbane’s built environment. The 2024 program will focus on New Farm, our nominated Village of Brisbane for 2024. We will be working with New Farm & Districts Historical Society to showcase the numerous wonderful heritage and historical aspects of New Farm. Heritage buildings and places across Brisbane will be open as part of the BOH program for the public to discover and engage with. Each venue is different in what they offer, there are immersive tours, activities and activations. We will also establish several key walks focused on heritage-listed buildings and places in Brisbane. These will become legacy items for this year’s event and will have the opportunity for inclusion into our ever-expanding guided walking tours in Brisbane. | $25,000 |
| The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane | Our Lady of Victories Centenary Celebration, Bowen Hills | The church is a WWI memorial of State significance. Its blue cross is an iconic landmark on the Brisbane landscape. This event is a fantastic way to engage multiple audiences with its history, to rediscover its significance, and to re-engage with past and present parishioners and families who have attended, been married and celebrated family milestones. The grant will be used to purchase exhibition materials and create a separate event landing page – both of which will last longer than the event and broaden more lasting community engagement, leading up to during, and following the centenary event. Technical support will be sought for the landing page and supplemented by volunteer hours. The display materials will be able to be reused beyond the event as continuing community and schools heritage education. | $5,000 |
| Croydon Shire Council | 2025 Heritage Festival – Chinese Temple Grand Opening | Interaction with visitors to Croydon in NW QLD demonstrates that, presently, there is a lack of understanding and appreciation in the travelling community of the role Chinese migrants played in the opening of outback settlements and the establishment of successful industries and communities. This event aims to broaden the experiences and expectations of travellers and locals alike about Croydon’s heritage places and their connection with Chinese settlement. This event will centre on a grand re-opening of the Chinese Temple Site. The refurbishment of this important site has seen major investment from Council. Many events will be held at or near this site and/or reflect Chinese culture. This event, held in the tourism high season, will centre on the contribution of these migrants in the early success of Croydon and ongoing presence in the region. Locals and visitors will be invited and encouraged to discover the diversity that was present on the goldfields of the 19th century and in present-day Croydon. | $40,000 |
| Gold Coast Open House Architecture Festival Inc | Gold Coast Open House 2024 | Gold Coast Open House supports the conservation of cultural heritage places by generating public appreciation of how these places shaped our city’s identity, culture, historical evolution, community stories and sense of place. By raising awareness of heritage-listed places, we can encourage owners to celebrate their places for future heritage listing. Gold Coast Open House program includes local and state-listed heritage places that most people would not ordinarily get access to. The opening of these heritage places provides opportunities for the public to form positive opinions about the importance of conserving these assets. The guided tours are conducted by experienced volunteers with heritage knowledge and credentials. The tours also discuss the cultural significance of each place, along with the unique architecture and construction. | $10,000 |
| Empire Theatres Pty Ltd | Empire Theatre Kids Tours | The Thrive on Arts Festival attracts thousands of visitors across the 4 days of the festival. We would like to develop a history tour with our youngest patrons in mind. We will engage a script writer with a unique connection to the space and experience writing for young people to showcase the deep historical significance of the Empire Theatre and the Empire Church Theatre. | $15,000 |
| Southport Surf Life Saving Club Inc | Celebrating A Century of Surf Lifesaving: The Heritage Journey of Southport Surf Life Saving Club | The interpretive exhibit within the heritage-listed Pavilion will serve as a vibrant platform for educating and engaging the community with Queensland’s heritage, particularly its lifesaving culture. By showcasing a century of the Club’s history through a variety of engaging mediums—ranging from hands-on activities to high-tech displays—the event will highlight the evolution and significance of lifesaving as part of Queensland’s coastal heritage. This immersive experience, designed to stimulate curiosity and provide educational insights, will deepen visitors’ appreciation for the historical and ongoing contributions of surf lifesaving to community safety and Queensland’s cultural landscape. | $4,300 |
| Sunshine Coast Open House | Sunshine Coast Open House | Sunshine Coast Open House objectives include increased engagement with Sunshine Coast residents and visitors through the promotion of both contemporary and historical architecture and design attractions of the region.The SCOH events aim to present a diversity of quality architectural experiences including new buildings, heritage places, sustainable subtropical design, designed landscapes and public art, as well as informative seminars, tours, and special events. | $25,000 |
| Aramac Community Development Association | Aramac Town Reunion | Celebrating 100 years of the Aramac WWI monument will encourage the community to come together and understand the importance and meaning of our town’s history. | $2,524 |
More information about the Community Sustainability Action Grants for Community Heritage is available here.
More information about the Showcasing Queensland Heritage grants is available here.
