• The Charles Sturt University Regional Archives and University Art Collection officially opening at Level 4 of the University’s William Merrylees Library

The Charles Sturt University Regional Archives and University Art Collection, featuring irreplaceable artefacts, artwork and historical material, has settled into its new home at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga.

The Charles Sturt University Regional Archives was originally established in 1973 as the Riverina Special Collection in the Riverina College of Advanced Education Library.

The archives consist of three main collections:

• The history and records of Charles Sturt University and its precursor institutions
• State archives from the Riverina and Murray regions of NSW
• Archival material from community organisations, businesses, politicians, sporting groups, and other entities and individuals from the Riverina and Murray regions.

The archives were previously located at the South Campus in Turvey Park, Wagga Wagga, but have relocated to Level 4 of the William Merrylees Library (Building 13) at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga.

The move involved the relocation of 22,000 boxes, 120 bays of volumes and registers and 40 map cabinets to create a collection that extends to 5,000 linear metres.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon attended the official opening and said the Regional Archives provides vital education and cultural opportunities to the region.

“Charles Sturt is a university of the land and people of our regions,” she said.

“Our mission is to build skills and knowledge, to shape resilient and sustainable regions for the future.

“Though we all know the future needs to be informed by our past, most importantly people must have the opportunity to access their history, and that is why investing in and anchoring the Regional Archives in the Riverina is a priority for Charles Sturt University.”

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Regional Archives.

Charles Sturt Regional Archives Manager Mr Wayne Doubleday said the material housed at the archives contains great historical significance for the University and Wagga Wagga, with about 70 per cent of usage of the archives coming from the public.

“The main significance of the archival material held at the Regional Archives is that it is one-of-a-kind original material that cannot be replaced, for the records held for Charles Sturt University, the City of Wagga Wagga and the Riverina and Murray regions,” he said.

“The other significant fact to consider is that the Archives are held locally here in Wagga, rather than in a capital city hours away.

“This means that local people can access records and history pertinent to them in a location that is much more easily accessible.”

Mr Doubleday said the move on campus offers better surrounding facilities for those accessing the archives and art collection and will hopefully encourage more University staff and students to use the collections.

“The new location is significant as it means we can offer a better service to our users and visitors as we now have better amenities, including more parking, disabled access, public toilets, lifts and a coffee shop,” he said.

“Hopefully the move to on-campus will mean our usage by staff and students at the University will increase.”

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said it was important to preserve our local history for future generations to access.

“I commend Charles Sturt University for continuing its commitment to preserving our region’s rich history and keeping the Regional Archives in a location accessible to the locals,” Mr McCormack said.

“Mr Doubleday has done a wonderful job since 1998 to continue the legacy Wagga Teachers’ College history lecturer Dr Keith Swan began 50 years ago and I am sure this significant community asset will continue to provide historical resources for many more years to come at its new home.”