Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas is encouraging local history groups across the Werribee electorate to apply for a grant from the Andrews Labor Government’s $350,000 Local History Program to support projects that preserve our area’s fascinating history.

The Local History Grants Program, managed by Public Record Office Victoria, is now accepting applications of up to $15,000 for projects that collect and document local history for the benefit of all Victorians.

Last year saw seventy-one community groups across Victoria share in the funding for historical projects and publications, including local historical societies.

Victoria’s diverse history is a real drawcard for visitors, with a total of 6.5 million people visiting a museum, gallery, heritage site or monument within our state in 2015-16. This has grown by 18.7 per cent over the last financial year and has been growing at 7.6 per cent over the last five years.

Applications can be submitted online via www.prov.vic.gov.au/community-programs/grants-awards/local-history-grants.  Information for applicants, including guidelines and eligibility criteria, are also available on this website.

Applications close at 5pm on 31 January 2017.