The awards are a joint initiative of Greater Shepparton City Council and the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC_.
Mayor Kim O’Keeffe presented the awards at a ceremony at the GV Hotel on May 1.
“There is no shortage of outstanding contributions to cultural heritage conservation, interpretation and promotion in our municipality,” she said.
“The success of this year’s awards demonstrates the increasing community understanding and pride in our history and heritage.”
Cr O’Keeffe highlighted the dedication of the volunteers on the Greater Shepparton HAC who worked extremely hard to develop and co-ordinate the awards.
Greater Shepparton HAC chairperson Marjorie Earl said the awards were just one way the committee was celebrating the history and heritage of the shire.
“The committee acts as an advocate for all cultural heritage matters within the municipality and has an extensive program of community events, like the Cultural Heritage Awards, the Bruce Wilson memorial heritage lecture and the heritage open days, aimed at promoting places of significant heritage across Greater Shepparton,” she said.
Cultural Heritage Award winners
Sacred Heart Convent, Tatura - reuse of a heritage placeThe adaptive reuse of the former Sacred Heart Convent, a historically and architecturally rich religious centre in the heart of Tatura. The sympathetic works to this previously unused and important building have allowed it to be reused as an office space.
Day's Flour Mill, Murchison - restoration of a heritage placeFor restoration works on a number of buildings across this nationally significant site, including the pulley house, gatehouse, engineers’ room, various repairs to the homestead and the three-storey mill complex.
Ravenscraig, Murchison - maintenance of a heritage placeThis important Victorian era house, constructed in 1872, in the centre of Murchison demonstrates exceptional maintenance standards that have preserved the significant fabric of the building for future generations.
The Nazi Camp, by Lurline and Arthur Knee - best research publication or manuscriptA thoroughly researched publication which tells the story of a World War II internment camp in Tatura and is an invaluable contribution to an important era of Australian history.
Letters to Bruce, by Jeanette Thompson - other publicationEdited letters sent to a local soldier by his family showing the lives of those at home in an agricultural community during World War II.
Interpretive signage
Mooroopna Cenotaph – the interpretive heritage signage at the Mooroopna Cenotaph describes, in a way that is universal, what the wars and battles were that are commemorated at the memorial. They have been designed to suit all ages and interest groups.
Tatura Museum murals - six alcove murals and one major mural are successful and engaging. They are an important adjunct to the museum and provide a strong visual presence at this end of Tatura.
Community, multicultural and indigenous events and tourism
Rock On Murchison’ Festival - the event celebrated the arrival of the Murchison meteorite and the impact it had on the community.
Shepparton Albanian Harvest Festival - an annual event which showcases the Albanian culture unlike any other event in Australia.
Murchison and District Historical Society website - other contributionA comprehensive website containing news of recent local happenings, promotion of coming events, historical items, education about local history and a platform to answer enquiries.