More than just a “pie stop” on the way to the coast, the NSW town of Braidwood will soon showcase its heritage best in a new tourist attraction, thanks to funding from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Mayor Tim Overall joined museum volunteers and State and Federal politicians to announce $2.5 million in funding to upgrade the museum into the Braidwood Heritage Centre in the hope of providing an economic boost to the town.

Braidwood businesses have been heavily affected by last summer’s bushfires, the associated closure of the Kings Highway, and recovery efforts having been hampered by COVID-19 restrictions.

Mayor Overall said the community of Braidwood was starting to get back on its feet following the fires and COVID restrictions and this announcement would provide a major boost to the community’s spirits.

“The new heritage centre will celebrate Braidwood’s unique attribute of being NSW’s only wholly heritage listed town,” Cr Overall said.

“We are grateful to the NSW and Commonwealth governments for the support and look forward to seeing the end result of what will be a great addition to Braidwood’s tourism offerings,” Mayor Overall said.

Applications for a share of $250 million can be submitted in the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund open round, which opened on 27 October 2020.

Grants of between $200,000 and $20 million will be available to organisations through the open round, including councils, joint organisations, business chambers, charities, businesses and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver successful projects.

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