Yass Valley is located on the Southern Tablelands of NSW approximately 270kms southwest of the Sydney CBD and 60kms north from the centre of Canberra. Yass Valley has traditionally been inhabited by the Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri Tribes. European settlement of the Yass Valley began in the early 1820's, following expeditions by Hume and Hovell as well as Throsby and Wild. Yass became a Municipality in 1873. Yass Shire was proclaimed on 1 January 1980 following the amalgamation of Goodradigbee Shire Council and the Yass Municipal Council. Yass Shire Council in turn was proclaimed the Yass Valley Council on 11 February 2004, following a further amalgamation of Yass Shire Council and parts of Gunning and Yarrowlumla Shire Councils. Yass Valley has an area of 3,999 square kilometres and borders the ACT to the south as well as 6 other NSW Local Government Councils. The topography of the region is extremely diverse ranging from the dramatic and beautiful hills, valleys and waterways of the Wee Jasper area to the huge expanse of Burrinjuck Dam, the rolling hills of Binalong and Bookham and the vast plains that are home to some of the finest wool and wine country in Australia. The main town servicing the Valley is Yass with the smaller villages of Binalong, Bookham, Bowning, Gundaroo, Sutton, Murrumbateman and Wee Jasper supporting the outlying areas, including those in close proximity to the ACT. The Yass Valley Council's role is to uphold democratic government and to provide leadership, through the election of nine Councillors. Council's Vision Statement - A diverse rural region that provides lifestyle, business and recreation choices, while sustaining our environment, history and community. Council's Mission Statement - To support the progress of Yass Shire by proactively servicing our community, while being an innovative and responsive Council.