The RAS has enjoyed some recent success at the Australian Society of Archivists Mander Jones Awards, held on October 17. The awards recognise publications in the field of archives and recordkeeping, and we are pleased to announce that two heritage publications, developed to coincide with our bicentenary celebrations, have taken home awards.

Our virtual museum was awarded ‘Best publication to engage and communicate with clients or potential clients of an Australian archive or archival collection about Australia’. Judging criteria included subject originality, appropriateness of design, and relevance for intended audience. Launched on the RAS website in December last year, the virtual museum showcases a range of documents, photographs, historical facts, and personal stories that showcase the rich history of the RAS.

Our commemorative book, SYDNEY ROYAL – Celebrating 200 years of the Royal Agricultural Society, written by Gavin Fry, was a joint winner in the category ‘Best publication that uses, features or interprets Australian Archives, written by or on behalf of a corporate body’. The category rewards publications that illuminate archives and archival collections for the community, taking into consideration design, originality of content and presentation, and the prominence and interpretation of archive material.

The RAS is both honoured and humbled to receive these awards for publications that, we believe, capture the heart and essence of the organisation’s history, and we congratulate Heritage Centre Manager, Karen Finch, and her team for the many hours spent on these two projects.