Mr O'Brien said the funding would ensure the conservation of the only original migrant house remaining, and provide a safe venue for meetings and group events by the Old Northcotians Association.

"The Northcotians is a very committed community group, and with this funding as well as volunteer assistance from the Lions Club and local tradesmen, these important buildings can be preserved for future generations," Mr O'Brien stated.

Lady Northcote Recreation Farm (formerly the Northcote Children's Farm) opened in 1937 as a farm school to house and educate underprivileged British child migrants.

Architects Meldrum and Noad designed the 12 identical cottages and associated buildings. In the late 1970s the camp was donated to the Victorian Government and is currently leased by the YMCA.

The proposed external repair works include re-roofing, gutter replacement and external weatherboard and joinery repairs.

Minister for Planning Matthew Guy said the grant was one of 13 community projects around Victoria being funded to preserve and protect significant heritage places and objects.

He said Victoria's Heritage Grants supported local communities to care for and manage the state's rich and diverse heritage, with this year's program totalling $1.13 million.

Mr Guy said the grants recognised and supported the enthusiasm and commitment of many dedicated volunteer organisations which worked to preserve and safeguard our shared history.

Victoria's Heritage Grants support the repair and restoration of publicly accessible and important heritage places and objects managed by local government and community not-for-profit organisations and are provided for places in the Victorian Heritage Register or included in a Heritage Overlay. Funding for heritage place grants totalling $500,000 was provided by the Victorian Property Fund.