During the Covid-19 situation, several groups are holding meetings via Zoom. If you have not previously been to an interest group meeting, this is an opportunity to tune in and find out what goes on. Check the Interest Groups and Events pages for details.
Our Society has a number of interest groups that meet during the year and we invite you, either member or visitor, to come along and learn about the latest developments and resources becoming available in areas of your particular interest, get help solving problems, and enjoy the company of others sharing information and progressing with your family history. There's something for everyone in our range of interest groups.
On this page, the group co-ordinators have provided details of how the meetings are conducted and what's happening in 2020. We look forward to seeing you.
Our Society has a number of interest groups that meet during the year and we invite you, either member or visitor, to come along and learn about the latest developments and resources becoming available in areas of your particular interest, get help solving problems, and enjoy the company of others sharing information and progressing with your family history. There's something for everyone in our range of interest groups.
On this page, the group co-ordinators have provided details of how the meetings are conducted and what's happening in 2020. We look forward to seeing you.
Writers
Conducted by Leonie Bell via Zoom
Enquiries: leonie_bell@ozemail.com.au In 2019 Leonie Bell, twice winner of the Ron Rathbone History Writing prize, and in 2019 winner of a Highly Commended award, became leader of the group. The Group members, who write family history, memoirs and local history, are looking forward to continuing their writing journeys and new members will be made very welcome. For family history writers, belonging to a group keeps you motivated, builds confidence, gives you new perspectives and independent feedback on your work in a friendly, constructive environment. We learn how others present their stories to provide inspiration and you can share and explore ideas and techniques with like-minded people, stimulating your imagination in a spirit of community and friendship. Remember: first drafts don't have to be perfect, they just have to be written. Let us help you get started or rekindle your enthusiasm for writing your book. |
Scottish
Conducted by Jean Campbell
Enquiries: jeancampbell@optusnet.com.au The SIG was formed in February 2008 and has been meeting five or six times a year ever since. Each meeting, members have a session of questions, disussions and/or answers, as well as presenting talks on an ancestor or an item from Scotland. There have been visual presentations by members who have visited Scotland that year. Each meeting has a focus on a Scottish family topic, with a PowerPoint presentation and an informative handout. Topics recently included: The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scots Law, free online Scottish resources, Scottish household items, and disasters in Scotland from 1690s. The Scottish Interest Group has also produced a 12 page booklet, a Scottish Research Guide, with information on the records available, which are unique to the country. The booklet is available for $5 at the Research Centre. |
Reunion for Mac
Conducted by Pat Fearnley
Enquiries: patfearnley@bigpond.com Meetings suspended during Covid-19 If you own an iMac or a Macbook, you can link your iPad or iPhone to Reunion and have your family information at your fingertips when you are out researching, meeting up with family or others to share information. This Group provides mutual support learning about Reunion, the genealogy program for Mac users to record their family information. You will be made most welcome, whether you already own Reunion or are contemplating buying and would like to know more about its features. It is an amazingly versatile program and at our meetings members share information, explore upgrades and learn about its many features. At each meeting there is a PowerPoint presentation (with handout) on an aspect of the program (which can be repeated for new members joining the group), followed by discussion. In 2018, some of the topics covered were Creating a Book, an update on using the Media Window (Pictures, Audio & Movies), Places & Geo Mapping, Internet searches, sidebar menus, recording sources, as well as general Mac tips and tricks. At our meeting on 4 February there was a presentation on Names: Initial Caps, Uppercase, Prefixes Nicknames, Autocomplete, Soundex. For new joiners to the group, previous Powerpoint presentations can be repeated. DNA
Conducted by John Levy
Enquiries: j.levy@bigpond.com In the present lock down situation, meetings are held via Zoom. If you are new to Zoom, email John for an invitation. Due to Council arrangements, members please note that the new permanent commencement time for our meetings is 1.30pm. In the rapidly expanding area of family research that is DNA, participating in this Group will keep you abreast of the latest developments. The meeting commences with a general update and discussion after which a Question & Answer period helps those with queries or problems. Irish
Conducted by Barbara Wimble
Enquiries: wwimble@iinet.net.au Our Irish Interest Group is attended by many passionate Irish descendants searching for their families’ origins! They are a great encouragement to each other as they share the information and stories they have found so far. All the main sets of Irish records are free on line for anyone to search. There is always someone to explain these records or guide you as to their use. We have listed and mapped our members’ interests and will happily introduce new members to others who share a family name or townland/county where your family may have originated. There are often new sources of information or helpful blogs to consult. We meet on the 4th Saturday of February, April, June, August & October at the Research Centre, 2 – 4pm |
Family Tree Maker
Enquiries: pamheather@gmail.com
The Family Tree Maker Interest Group caters for all levels of expertise, from beginners to experienced users. The software is essentially identical for PC and Mac. As well as helping newcomers with their "teething problems", the Family Tree Maker Group also explores the more advanced features of this software, including colour coding, using Photo Darkroom to enhance photographs, creating charts, reports and a Genealogy Book. Frequent use is made of the excellent tutorials and videos which have been created for this software. Although not essential, many members bring their laptops to the meetings and have their queries and problems solved (usually) on the spot. In previous years this group has met on a Thursday evening. However members recently expressed a preference for afternoon meetings so for 2019 the Family Tree Maker Interest Group will meet on a Tuesday afternoon, 1.30 at the Research Centre. Mark these dates on your calendar and come along to join us on 12 February, 21 May, 13 August and 12 November |