Heritage boost for Snowy Valleys

The heritage of the Brungle cemetery and Tumut’s Montreal Theatre will be preserved and enhanced by funding grants from the NSW Government. 

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has welcomed the announcement, saying it will support the future of two very different but equally important historic sites in the Snowy Valleys. 

Funding has also been allocated to provide a heritage advisory service to Snowy Valleys and Wagga City Councils. 

Announced by the Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe, the grants will deliver: 

  • $32,363 to the Brungle/Tumut Local Aboriginal Land Council to build a footpath for safer and easier access to gravesites, as well as seating to support funeral services and quiet reflection 

  • $68,488.29 for essential preservation works at the Montreal Theatre, including the replacement of ageing stormwater drains, repairing walkways and fire exit stairs, and replacing deteriorated fencing and front gates 

  • $25,000 to Snowy Valleys Council to update its Heritage Strategy and improve heritage management practices 

  • $25,000 to Wagga Wagga City Council to provide a heritage advisor who will offer heritage advice to the community, advice on development applications, and heritage education and promotional opportunities. 

“The Brungle cemetery works will ensure the site remains a respectful and inclusive place of cultural significance, and as the last resting place for many Aboriginal people, is an enormously important cultural sites for the Wiradjuri community,” Dr McGirr said. 

“The Montreal Theatre is, of course, an icon of Tumut and the works to protect its structural integrity will ensure it remains a vibrant cultural hub for the Snowy Valleys community for many years to come. 

“I thank the government for recognising the special heritage values of our region and look forward to seeing the works completed, so that these important sites are preserved for the benefit of future generations.” 

The funding package is part of a record $8.65 million been awarded to 140 grant recipients to boost the protection and restoration of heritage sites across NSW, under the 2025-27 NSW Heritage Grants Program.  

 

Joe McGirr