TWO Beechworth community organisations and a major social enterprise are collaborating to ensure the community is actively engaged in the development and activation of plans for Beechworth’s colonial-era centre.

Beechworth History and Heritage, Beechworth Inc, Old Beechworth Gaol and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) have formed Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership, aiming to work with the community, Federal Government and Indigo Shire Council to shape priorities for the precinct following its National Heritage listing in August.

Beechworth History and Heritage chair Jamie Kronborg said each of the partnership members, like many Beechworth residents, had a “keen, natural interest in the future of the place at the heart of our community".

“The partnership’s aim is to bring together our community’s and partner organisations’ voices for the planning and activation of this newly-listed national heritage place,” Jamie said.

“The listing signals to Beechworth and the wider world the cultural value of the fine standard of colonial administrative buildings, old gaol, town hall and what they represent.

“It also presents a rare opportunity for the community to realise the social, economic and cultural benefits of the listing.

“For this to happen all voices have to be at the table to help plan the next steps, and engagement needs to be open, inclusive and genuine.”

ACRE and Old Beechworth Gaol chief executive Matt Pfahlert said the organisations he leads were excited to be co-founders of the Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership.

“With Beechworth History and Heritage and Beechworth Inc, we’ll be working collaboratively with local groups to bring the precinct to life for generations to come,” Matt said.

“We believe the precinct is a great canvas for cultural storytelling and interpretation that can foster social inclusion and a place we can all be proud of. “

Beechworth Inc chair Katrina Witherow said the community’s business advocacy organisation was honoured to collaborate with Beechworth History and Heritage, Old Beechworth Gaol and ACRE to form the Beechworth Historic Precinct Partnership.

“The National Heritage listing provides us with an opportunity for our organisations to represent our community, ensure custody and management of the precinct with Indigo Shire Council in ways that meet our community’s expectations, and work as key participants in future planning for these significant historic assets,” Katrina said.

“We aim to advocate for our community in the development and operation of management plans for the precinct consistent with National Heritage management principles and our organisations’ shared aspirations and visions for the future of our businesses and the wider Beechworth community.

“Our collaboration will build on our community’s heritage and culture that provides the rich history we share today.

“This is a unique opportunity and we look forward to the work ahead and a positive future together.”