Heritage grant for Highgate landmark

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The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Highgate will receive $5,500 in the fourth round of the State Heritage Grants Program.
Heritage Minister Graham Kierath recently announced the funds as part of almost $1 million in heritage grants awarded across the State.
Mr Kierath said the Sacred Heart Church on Mary Street, Highgate planned to use the grant to prepare a conservation plan to help determine its historical significance and how it may be retained in future use and development.
He said the church was built in 1905-06 and formed part of one of the first school and church communities in Perth.
"Largely unaltered since its construction, the church has high social and historic significance as it has provided continuing support and assistance to those in the inner city area," the Minister said.
"In particular, the parish has offered support to many thousands of migrants who have come to live in the area, and who now contribute to the cultural fabric of the church community."
Mr Kierath said the $1 million in grants announced recently would go to 73 projects in metropolitan and regional Western Australia.
He said the average amount allocated in each grant was $13,000 with the majority of the sites owned by the private and commercial sector.
"The grants are a clear indication that the Government has a strong commitment to preserving heritage both in the metropolitan area and in regional Western Australia," the Minister said.
"However, I would urge owners of heritage buildings also to meet their responsibility to preserving these community assets.
"The purpose of the grants is not to fund all heritage works throughout the State but to provide a helping hand to those projects deemed by the Heritage Council of WA to be most in need."
Mr Kierath said in all there were 142 applications for grants this year, requesting a total $7.2 million, including one request for $1.6 million.
Of the 73 projects to receive grants, 61 were from regional WA and totalled $769,700 with 12 projects in the metropolitan area receiving $187,000.
Media contact: Zac Donovan (08) 9213 6400