The cash injection came as part of the state government’s Local History Grants Program.

Stawell Historical Society president Dorothy Brumby said the money would go towards a number of glass display cabinets.

“We often apply for grants, but quite often you don’t get them and that’s the best part because this time we have been lucky to get this,” she said.

“We want a table top glass cabinet – one that you can walk around, it’s lockable and important for displaying really fragile items.

“Some years we don’t get anything and some we do, so it is just a matter of the draw.

“When we do research, we ask for a donation and small amount. That keeps us going. We are self-sufficient that way.

"But when we want something special, it is good to get a grant and it helps us build on our collection.” 

Ms Staley said more than 50 community groups across Victoria shared in grants worth $345,000.