The University of New England became autonomous in 1954. In that year, Robert Madgwick, now Vice Chancellor, issued a further call for the public to donate records to the University to support the University's research plan.
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"This work", Madgwick said, "can only be done with the sympathetic support and encouragement of the people of the region and I appeal to all those who have family papers and records of any sort to get in touch with the University."
The public responded, but Madgwick faced a problem. How should the new holdings be stored and accessed?
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The University Library was still in Booloominbah where limited space and poor storage conditions were damaging book holdings. New facilities were needed, but cash was tight.
In May 1956, Frank Rogers, was appointed as Librarian, while work began on the construction of a temporary library on the east of the campus, later the Marshall Building.
Rogers was a training archivist as well as librarian. In May 1957 space was allocated in the basement of the new building as a dedicated archives repository, while Rogers also recruited an able volunteer in retired Vice Admiral Sir Richard Lane-Poole to be the university archivist under Roger's guidance.
Sir Richard proved an inspired choice because of his intelligence, energy and local connection, both building and helping document the collection.
In 1959 consideration began on what would become the NSW State Archives Act 1960, Madgwick and Rogers lobbied the Government asking that UNE be recognised in this legislation as a regional repository for the State Archives.
In the end, UNE was satisfied with Rogers being given a seat on the Board created under the Act to manage the state's archives. The appointment recognized Roger's specific skills, as well as UNE's growing archival role.
Rogers now appointed UNE's first full time archivist, R J McDonald. In now familiar words, he directed McDonald in now familiar words to: Collect all research material likely to be of value in throwing light on the historical, economic and social development of Northern New South Wales from the earliest European settlement until recent times.
The focus on the period since European settlement reflects the times. The Centre's relevance to Aboriginal history emerged later.
The stage was now set for the next chapter in the story of the UNE Heritage Centre and Regional Archives, a period of significant expansion.
