Planning Minister Frank Sartor presented 20 awards to volunteers who help to preserve the State's heritage, in a ceremony at Parliament House on the 16th November. Mr Sartor presented the fifth annual NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Awards, with the support of NSW Heritage Council Chair Michael Collins.

"The wider community owes these volunteers a great debt for their work in preserving the past and sharing their knowledge with others," Mr Sartor said. "This year's awards represent a wide range of volunteer work, from restoring neglected cemeteries, recording oral histories and preserving Aboriginal cultural heritage, to leading community campaigns and supporting historical societies. "More than 100 groups and individuals have now been formally acknowledged through these annual awards.

The Hon. Frank Sartor MP with award winner and guest speaker, Mr Jon Breen

Award winner Enid Muir (right) and Lyn Fahey tour the Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre on Garden Island following the presentation at Parliament House

"As I said at the awards ceremony, the NSW Government is committed to preserving heritage in a practical way - through the re-use of historical buildings or the transformation of historical assets into tourism attractions. "We have seen this in practice in Parramatta, Braidwood, Armidale, Dubbo and many more sites. "The NSW Government also funds heritage projects across the State, with another $2.73 million allocated this year for 92 projects.

"The latest round of funding went to projects ranging from the restoration of the 1893 Dubbo showground grandstand, the 20th century hermit's cave in Griffith and the historic 1907 paddle steamer Ruby in Wentworth. "Importantly, nearly three-quarters of this funding goes to regional NSW, where it underpins local jobs and tourism industries. "All these projects are only possible with the cooperation of local councils and volunteers." View the 2006 Award Recipients

Mr Val Hamey on the tour of The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre

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