'The award honours the memory of John Ferry (1949-2004), an exemplary teacher and community historian who played a major role in practising and encouraging quality local studies during his career as a school-teacher, and then as lecturer and senior lecturer at the Armidale College of Advanced Education and University of New England. The purpose of this award is to recognise outstanding New South Wales local and community histories.' (http://localnotes.net.au/?tag=john-ferry-award)
