CAPTAIN John Mills’ former home in Gipps Street Port Fairy, Mills Cottage, will benefit from an investment of $103,000, under the Victorian Government’s Living Heritage Program.

Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and property of the National Trust, Mills Cottage is one of 18 projects across Victoria to receive investment from a total of $2.2 million recently announced by Planning minister, Lizzie Blandthorn.

As part of round seven of the investment program, the funding will go towards investing in important repair works to protect and enhance Victoria’s most cherished historical landmarks at 16 heritage places or objects across regional Victoria, and two heritage places in Melbourne.

Heritage plays a large part in Victoria’s liveability and contributes approximately $2.4 billion each year towards Victoria’s tourism industry and supports 184,800 jobs.

Mills Cottage is a timber home and essentially remains in its original condition, believed to have been constructed in stages between about 1841 and 1856.

It stands as one of the oldest surviving timber structures in Victoria, with separate bluestone stables built in 1858.

The cottage is important for its representation of the pioneering mariners, whalers, sealers and coastal traders, John B Mills and his brother Charles F Mills and their families - especially John Mills from his days as Port Fairy harbour master.

John and Charles Mills were amongst the earliest settlers in Western Victoria; Charles was associated with the cottage in its earliest years and John Mills sometime later until 1871.

The works will repair the roof and includes the manufacture and installation of replica Morewood and Rogers tiles.

These rare tiles are found on only a handful of buildings throughout Victoria and will be reproduced specifically for this house.

The project will reduce water entry which is causing damage to the house interior and risks making the building unusable.

National Trust Port Fairy branch president, Brendan O’Toole, said the National Trust was pleased to attribute the recent grant funding of $103,000 to undertake essential conservation works to Mills Cottage.

“These works will involve the replacement of roof cladding to the front wing to match the original 1850s roof tiles,” she said.

“The National Trust is very grateful to receive the DELWP Living Heritage Grant that will ensure this important early building in Victoria’s history is protected from weather events and can continue to be appreciated by the community and visitors to Port Fairy into the future.”

The Living Heritage Program is the largest ever State Government investment in Victoria’s heritage and provides grants for conservation works to at risk places and objects listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Ms Blandthorn said the Living Heritage Program safeguarded the conservation and protection of significant places and objects across Victoria and would ensure their ongoing use and enjoyment into the future.

 “The diverse array of places receiving grants all tell stories about us and our past and contribute to the fabric of our communities,” she said.