A $180,000 state government grant will support conservation work to the exterior of the chapel at St Francis Xavier Church. 

The 1867-built weatherboard chapel was used as a church and school until 1889. The chapel has been available for community use including multi-denominational worship, naming days and burials in recent years.

Also noted for its historical significance, the chapel and cemetery were built on land donated by pioneer pastoralist and gold discoverer John Egan.

Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said St Francis Xavier was a significant historical building. 

“This chapel and the adjoining cemetery are a living tribute to our history, and they give us all the opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a nation,” Ms Thomas said. 

A grant was also announced for the Kingston Avenue of Honour. State government funding of $60,000 will support tree work at the avenue of honour in preparation for upcoming centenary commemorations. 

“We invest in our heritage because we want it to remain intact for generations to come. That’s exactly what these works in Eganstown and Kingston will ensure,” Ms Thomas said. 

The grants come as part of the state government Living Heritage Program. More than 1.9 million people visited Victoria’s heritage buildings last year.

“Our goldfields heritage sites are a big boost to tourism – and more visitors means more opportunities for local businesses,” Ms Thomas said.