Now an annual project, the Maitland Local Heritage Fund is open to those conserving works to buildings and/or places of heritage significance.

Last year the owners of Shenstone, Bolwarra, successfully applied for a grant to restore the elaborately designed gates to their historic property.

“This project is an example of what people can do with help from the heritage fund,” council’s heritage officer Clare James said.

“Not everyone has gates like this, but the principle of what can be done remains the same, because it’s all about looking at what was once there and what can be reinstated.”

Projects to be considered for funding allocation may include the conservation of culturally significant Aboriginal or European places or restoration work to residential or commercial premises.

The grants will be offered in amounts of $500 to $1000.

“Residential projects could include minor restoration work, the repainting of houses in heritage colour schemes, reinstating original fences, verandahs or other built elements,” Ms James said.

“The project has become very popular over the years. The word is definitely out.”

For more information contact Ms James on 4934 9832.