Each Tuesday the door of the Yass archives is thrown open to the public. Working inside are volunteers from the Yass and District Historical Society. Their job is to help people find items and clippings from the past and educate interested parties about the rich history that surrounds Yass.

For 20 years, they have done it without pay or reward.

On Monday November 16, Gloria Carlos and Cheryl Mongan will accept the State Heritage Award from Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, on behalf of the group in front of Sydney’s picturesque Circular Quay.

It’s a huge honour for the whole group, President Gloria Carlos explained. “We’re very pleased. It’s nice to be recognised. That’s not what you do it for, but it’s still very nice,” she explained.

“I’d like to think that we are an important part of our town. We do it for the benefit of the community because we love history and it’s important to keep tabs on our local heritage,” she said.

The same faces appear each week at the Yass Archives Room. The roll-call is Gloria Carlos, Maureen Collins, Diana MacQuillan, Roma Longley, Cheryl Mongan, Marion McCarthy, Robyn Davis, Rosalie Bush and Ron Rouston.

They have organised, stored and indexed an important local collection of records of local families, businesses and organisations. Members have indexed court and church records, maps, newspapers and photographs. Work is progressing on a newspaper clippings file.

The society’s newsletter Boongaroon, published quarterly, contains articles on the history of Yass, and is researched, written and printed by the Archives Room volunteers.

Heritage adviser to the Yass Valley Council, Peter Kabaila, nominated the group for the award. Mr Kabaila, who works for a number of councils, said the Yass Historical Society was by far the most knowledgeable and passionate mob he conferred with.

“Generally on my monthly visit I call into the archives rooms. They’re always full of information and are extremely willing to help,” he said.

“They’re a particularly special group. There are very few interest groups that are readily available. But the Yass Historical Society are very constant and very helpful,” he said.