*BREAKING NEWS** **COMMUNITY WIN!!**

Dear All

The Heidelberg Artists Trail was under threat because Banyule City Council was concerned with the cost of up keep of the signs along the trail in their municipality. Many of the signs were old (over 20 years approx.), had faded or had been damaged/removed. This was a community campaign I started before I entered politics.

In response to a petition with around 1000 signatures, Banyule Council has now decided to not only retain the signs, but has committed to the restoration of the signage. Restoration of the signs also includes the replacement of some, which had been removed and put into storage. It is understood that the cost of the restoration project is around $20,000 and works are expected to be completed by the end of this financial year.

The Heidelberg Artists trail extends through the municipalities of Banyule, Manningham, Nillumbik, Dandenong and Yarra Valley. Famous Heidelberg School art works are reproduced on the signs, including works by Arthur Streeton, Walter Withers, Tom Roberts, Louis Buvelot and Charles Conder to name a few.

This is a fantastic win for the community to be reassured that this part of the trail, which showcases the Heidelberg School Art works will be restored. The heritage and artistic value of this trail is invaluable. The trail is well known not only locally, but throughout the State of Victoria, nationally and internationally. It attracts many tourists, and is studied by students from primary school, right up to tertiary level. It is important that the trail continues to be preserved for current and future generations. The trail allows for the free viewing of reproductions of these historic works of art for free. To also be able to stand in the very spot where some of these works were actually created is amazing as it transports you back to a more rural and historic Heidelberg in days gone by.

Thanks to your strong community support to protect and preserve this important community asset, the trail will be around to be enjoyed by many locals and visitors alike for many years to come.  

Thanks again for your support!

Yours in community

Sonja