The two gentlemen were presented with illuminated addresses as a demonstration of the historical society’s appreciation of their important work.

They recieved their acknowledgements at the conference dinner, from the president of the historical society Malcom Wehr.

Graham Wilson, a retired  UNE Australian History lecturer is the Glen Innes Severn Council heritage adviser and William Oates is the university archivist at the University of New England Heritage Centre in Armidale.

These two men have given an enormous amount of time and effort to the cause of local history throughout the New England region, and their detailed and rigorous commitment to investigating and recording the past, makes it clear that to both of them history really does matter enormously.

Both gave presentations at the very successful conference.

The Glen Innes and District Historical Society and Land of the Beardies Museum particularly have benefited greatly from their contributions to the study of local history and their professional mentorship.

The citations read: “On the occasion of the celebration of the 50th Birthday of the Glen Innes and District historical Society Inc., we wish to present this illuminated address to thank you most sincerely for your great kindness, encouragement and continuing interest in History in the New England Region of New South Wales. Your enthusiasm and generous support over many years is held in high regard and very much appreciated.”

One of the very positive features of the conference was the amount of networking that took place where we had so many presenters so knowledgeable in their subjects and willing to share their expertise with the attendees.