The Heritage Centre

The RAS Heritage Centre has been established to preserve the history and heritage of those who settled in Australia, created the Society and participated in the development of agriculture in New South Wales.

Research Services

The Heritage Centre is open to the public five days a week between 9am and 5pm   We ask that you book a specific time for your research visit so that Heritage Centre staff can ensure the required materials are prepared.

The RAS provides a research service, with the first half-hour of staff time free (or one hour for RAS Members) to assess its ability to respond to a research query. Moderate charges apply after the half-hour if further staff research is needed. Fees will also be charged for photocopying and copying of photographs.

The Archives

The RAS Heritage Centre has held the administrative records of the RAS since its foundation in 1822. The records cover the Society's many interests, including the Royal Easter Show and the promotion of excellence in agricultural and pastoral pursuits through competitions, conferences and publications.

The Heritage Centre also holds the records of many Breed Societies and is increasingly becoming a repository for other agriculture related collections. It holds an extensive collection of photographs, ephemera and medallions.

The Library

The specialist reference library dates back to 1822 and contains a wide range of books on various aspects of agriculture, including:

   . Flock and herd books
   . Catalogues, marked and unmarked
   . Historical texts relating to animal breeds
   . Histories of breeds and breed societies
   . History of agricultural and pastoral NSW

Growth of the Collection

The collection is constantly growing, through acquisitions in accordance with Heritage Centre collection policy from Society and Council members, Show visitors and other interested parties. Donations are the life-blood of the Heritage Centre, which offers climate controlled storage and professional staff to look after its treasures. As the Heritage Centre is a true archive, its collection also grows with the constant addition of records created by the Society.

Tax Incentives for the Arts

The Heritage Centre fulfils the requirements for Tax Incentives for the Arts Program. Potential donors should contact the Heritage Centre.

Location and Contacts

1st Floor RAS Administration Building,
cnr. Murray Rose Drive and Showground Road,
Sydney Olympic Park.

Postal Address :

Attn: Heritage Centre
Locked Bag 4317
Sydney Olympic Park
NSW 2127

Telephone and email:

RAS Archivist

Joanne Birkl
Ph: 02 9704 1461

jbirkl@rasnsw.com.au

RAS Research Archivist
Colleen Sims
Ph: 02 9704 1462

csims@rasnsw.com.au