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Tim Bull successfully reverses Andrews Labor government cuts to Local History Grants Program and Victorian Community History Awards

The restored funding is crucial for digitization, historical societies, and community-based archives. Tim Bull highlighted the importance of investing in preserving the past, underscoring the value of ongoing financial support for historical groups.

By news@gippsland - 11th September 2023 - Back to News

Having tabled a petition in State Parliament recently calling on the Andrews Labor government to reverse its cuts to the Victorian Community History Awards and Local History Grants Program, Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, is pleased the government last week backflipped on its decision and reinstated the support.

Andrews Labor government's decision to reinstate support came after public outrage and the presentation of a petition in Parliament as Tim Bull highlighted the importance of investing in preserving the past

Community archive funding

Mr Bull said, "Shortly after this decision was made, I was contacted by a number of local history groups who were outraged. On top of asking the Minister to reverse these cuts, a petition was established."

"It was a funding stream that supported volunteers undertaking important community work and it was just craziness from the government to cut it. The funding allocation was critical to the ongoing growth and digitisation of the State’s archives and supported countless community volunteer historical societies, who contributed thousands of hours to build and maintain community-based archives," he said.

Local history preservation

On presenting the petition to Parliament, Mr Bull acknowledged that Victorian history receives so little in the way of funding or recognition of those who contribute to its collection. "The Local History Grants Program ensured the work of over 350 volunteer driven heritage organisations continues to develop and contribute to the ongoing research in telling the stories of the past."

"The digitisation of the timeworn records is a huge focus for local historical societies and family history groups, as age and environment threaten the longevity of these important collections which often include photographs. It is a small price to pay for thousands of hours of volunteer work that benefits the collective memory," said Mr Bull.

Preserving community history

Mr Bull added, "The Community History Awards support historians, authors, creators, printers and designers and these awards encourage deep investigation and inquiry, as well as truth telling. It's important to consider what we stand to lose without ongoing financial support for these historical groups. We simply can't afford not to invest in our past."

Mr Bull said the Minister responsible, Danny Pearson, has gone from overseeing the funding cuts to now saying in his backflip speech how "important it is to preserve our past and celebrate our history. Talk about a 180-degree change of attitude," Mr Bull said.

Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital.
• Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
  Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
  South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
  A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges.
• East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement.
• Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres.
• Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• South Gippsland Council highlights Seniors Festival 2026, road safety projects, community initiatives and other updates across shire
  South Gippsland Shire Council highlights Seniors Festival events, $2.849 million in road safety funding, a new Nyora public toilet, resilience initiatives, community programs and feedback opportunities across the region.
• Morwell International Rose Garden Festival unveils exciting 2026 program ahead of November celebration
  Morwell’s free International Rose Garden Festival returns November 6–7, featuring entertainment, workshops, markets, children’s activities and spectacular Night Lights, celebrating the region’s iconic gardens with more than 4,000 roses.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• Foster CFA volunteers await new station funding despite site and lease arrangements already being in place
  Foster CFA volunteers continue waiting for a new station, with a site and long-term lease secured. Danny O’Brien is calling for government funding to begin construction.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
  The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• The Nationals pledge $10M boost for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, supporting community hubs facing rising demand and cost pressures
  The Nationals have pledged $10 million over four years for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, including $4 million for existing services and $6 million to establish and expand hubs in growing regions.