Bendigo Pottery receives $300,000 for flood recovery

THE historic Bendigo Pottery has been awarded $300,000 as part of the State Government’s first round of Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants for heritage sites damaged by floods, storms and bushfires.

The Pottery sustained extensive flood damage in January 2024 and the entire site was shut down for three months.

Established during the height of the gold rush in 1858 by a group of local businessmen, it initially focused on producing everyday items such as bricks, tiles and pipes.

The 1880s saw the pottery become renowned for producing salt-glazed stoneware, which was created by adding salt to the kiln during firing.

This technique resulted in the distinct glossy, textured finish seen on many of its pieces up until today.

The Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants program was launched last year to help repair heritage sites impacted by extreme weather events.

It is particularly designed to help small community organisations that need more support after their insurance and damages were assessed following the October 2022 floods.

Victoria’s heritage sites contribute about $2.4 billion each year towards the state’s tourism industry and support around 185,000 jobs.

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the grants program will ensure sites are better equipped to withstand future floods and natural disasters that occur.

“By supporting the recovery of these much-loved landmarks, we’re making sure they remain a source of pride, identity, and connection for their communities while keeping them alive as part of our state’s rich history,” she said.

For more, visit the Heritage Victoria website at heritage.vic.gov.au/heritage-grants.