Dear Kelly,

As Heritage Advisor for Upper Lachlan Shire, I write to thank you for your initiative  in the establishment of the Australian Century Farm and Station Awards. There is little doubt that our rural heritage is one of the most precious legacies that can be passed to our children  and held by our communities with pride. There is also a great need in our ever-growing multicultural cities for appreciation and understanding of 'country' Australia and of the families whose struggles and perseverance, often in the face of tremendous adversity, enabled us to grow strong and free as a nation.

To acquire and archive such an historical collection of documents and oral history is a commendable task. I am aware that you have the input of the Collector and District Historical Association Inc. and probably that of many members of rural organizations and property owners throughout Australia.

I am familiar with the Canadian Century Farm Awards as I have a daughter who has married into a generational farming Family in Ontario. My personal experiences of growing up on my mother's family property in Western Queensland has also shown me the resilience and dedication required to keep such a landholding 'in the family'.

As far as the Upper Lachlan Shire is concerned, please be assured that you have my full support and would be glad to assist if required, and wherever possible. I wish the project great success.

Kindest regards,

Jennifer

Dr Jennifer Lambert Tracey

BA (ANU);M App.Sc.(UC); Member ~Professional Historians Assocociation

“I remember the NZ Century Farm Awards well. I thought they were a great way of remembering the farming pioneers across New Zealand whose families had stayed on the land through generations. I am sure there are many such families in Australia too. All the best”

Helen Clark
Prime Minister of New Zealand 1999 - 2008
Former Administrator of the United Nations Development Program

I was interested to read about the proposed Awards scheme. In addition to commemorating our nation's farming heritage, it has the potential to uncover and make fresh insights into the story of regional Australia.

Hon George Brandis, QC
Former Attorney General & Minister for the Arts

The Australian Century Farm and Station Awards is an exciting and valuable Awards program that will make a major contribution to our knowledge of Australia's farming history.

The aim of the Awards is to document and preserve economic, cultural and heritage information about agriculture in Australia.

Federal Member for Hume