The Crookwell and District Historical Society member and historian said she was surprised to hear news of her nomination by fellow member Jenny Painter. 

“It was a big shock. I rang her up and asked her what she had done,” she joked.

Ms Croke has volunteered at the Crookwell and District Historical Society since the early 1970s.

Based in Wollongong at the time she was able to make regular trips into Crookwell for her work, investing more time in research that interested her. 

As time went on she delved into more stories and by 1974 she was a full time member.

As a child she wanted to be an anthropologist and in university studied psychology and history. 

While history may have started as a hobby she now spends about eight hours per day researching. 

Sometimes when she can’t go to sleep, she is on the computer, uncovering new information.

Ms Croke is a published author and has led archaeological digs in the region focusing on family history as of late. 

She quickly learnt local history held a great interest among schools and community members. 

“When I would go out and talk about the Historical Society, people would ask you questions about localised events and want you to clarify local history,” she said.

“There’s a big difference between oral history and actual history.

“I like to prove what I’m saying, I want people to know what really happened, because you might as well make it up.” 

Priding herself on triple-checking facts and finding multiple resources, she said it was the courage and fortitude of people from the past that always amazed her. 

“My great-great-great grandmother walked from Sydney to Laggan,” she said.

“[People] at the time had to work extremely hard, all day to make a living.

“They had to deal with disasters, famine and – when you had a bit of money – you could’ve been robbed by a bushranger. 

“It was a tough time.” 

Her next research focus will explore the Shire’s response to disaster and famine. 

Regional ceremonies will be held over the next two months to recoginse the volunteers nominated for the award. 

State finalists will be announced in November.