NSW State Archives and Records has marked 60 years since the Archives Authority of New South Wales was established on 1 June 1961.
Reflecting on the archives purpose and aims, the Authority said that prior to the Archives Act 1960 an Archives Department had been operating within the NSW Public Library from 1953.
“The State Records Act 1998 established State Archives NSW as a statutory body to manage the NSW State archives collection and set the rules and provide guidance on the management of official records,” the Authority said.
“NSW State Archives and Records is one of Australia’s pre-eminent Archives and Records Authorities with a vast collection of historical records and archives dating back to the European settlement of Australia in 1788,” it said.
“With responsibilities for the development, preservation and access for the State’s archives, NSW State Archives and Records is also responsible for managing and storing over 650 kilometres of semi-permanent Government records for NSW public sector offices.”
The Authority said it sought to ensure the people and Government of NSW had ready access to records which illuminated history, enriched the life of the community and supported good and accountable Government.
“We provide a wide range of services to the public and the NSW public sector, along with guidance for public sector bodies on all aspects of records management,” it said.
“A major operational focus for us is the documentation, storage and preservation of records.”
It said NSW State Archives and Records aimed to ensure the business of the Public Sector was properly documented; that official records were managed to support frontline service delivery, good governance and accountability; and that the State Archives Collection was developed, documented, preserved and made available as an information resource to enrich the people and communities of NSW.
