• Author donates Tim Fischer research papers to Charles Sturt Regional Archives and University Art Collection in Wagga Wagga

The Charles Sturt University Regional Archives and University Art Collection in Wagga Wagga has taken on a new collection of items honouring one of the region’s renowned politicians and advocates.

Author Mr Peter Rees is preparing to release his latest and final book about former Deputy Prime Minister and Riverina stalwart, the late Tim Fischer.

Mr Rees has donated his personal collection of newspaper articles, speeches, media releases and other correspondence, which comprised research materials for three books, to the Regional Archives in Wagga Wagga.

Charles Sturt Regional Archives and University Art Collection Manager Mr Wayne Doubleday said it was a significant collection about a man who had long-lasting roots in the Riverina.

“This collection is very important, given that Tim Fischer was born locally and always advocated for regional areas and his electorates during his long and successful political career,” he said.

“This collection adds to the large number of records the Regional Archives holds for politicians and political parties.”

The Archives already holds 150 boxes of Mr Fischer’s subject and correspondence files, documenting his political career from 1971 to 2001 in both state and federal parliament.

Mr Doubleday said that in addition to complementing the existing holdings and papers, the research papers donated by Mr Rees will add another level of context about Mr Fischer’s personal life and persona for interested researchers.

Mr Rees said the Charles Sturt Regional Archives is the perfect location for these materials to be stored to preserve Mr Fischer’s legacy.

“I have decided to donate these records to the Regional Archives in Wagga Wagga because the Riverina is where it all began for Tim,” he said.

“He was born at Lockhart hospital, grew up at Boree Creek and entered the Parliament of NSW as the MP for the new local state seat of Sturt in 1971.

“There is no more appropriate place for this material, especially as it adds to the existing Fischer archive held there, and which I drew on for The Boy from Boree Creek.”

The Charles Sturt Regional Archives and University Art Collection relocated to Level 4 of the William Merrylees Library in June and is available for public access and use.

Mr Rees’ latest book, I Am Tim, is available from Tuesday 8 August. The book takes a more complete look at his life, with the use of personal records made available by Mr Fischer’s widow.