GSV News

Want to Write Your Family Story but Not Sure Where to Start?

Boxes of Research. Folders of Facts. Digital Archives… But where’s the story? You've got charts, census records, and vital certificates galore, but the stories of the people behind these records remain hidden. Your characters may be modest or majestic, and have played minor or major roles in society, but they are your family and they matter to you. How can you make their story engaging for others?

A good way to begin is with small pieces. Think about one part of your bigger story. Keep your research in the background, and focus on writing something short and well-structured. It could be a single memory, an interesting event, or one ancestor’s moment in history. Completing short pieces helps move your larger story forward, making readers naturally want more!

If you want to develop your confidence, writing style and skills, you will benefit from Writing Family Stories. This new course from GSV, launched in 2025, helps writers craft 500-word pieces while receiving input from presenters and experienced mentors. It is an interactive course with a difference: It’s not just one day, not just lectures, and not even just writing exercises. Our mentors, including authors, academics, historians, teachers, and UTas grads, work with you throughout the course, providing one-on-one support to help you shape and refine your piece.

COURSE SCHEDULE 

– TUE 28 APRIL:  ‘Getting ready to write’ – warm up your pen!
– TUE 12 MAY: ‘Tell your story’ – let the words flow!
– TUE 26 MAY: ‘Revise and polish’ – shine your story!
– TUE 9 JUN: ‘Share your story’ – show off your masterpiece!

(Classes are held from 2.30 to 4:00 Australian Eastern Standard Time)

BOOKING DETAILS

– This course is limited to the first 16 registrants 
– Course fee: $200 for GSV members, $300 for non-members
– Registrations: https://www.gsv.org.au/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=3014

It’s almost here! Will I see you there?

The GSV Australian Family History: Research Strategies & Resources course begins this Saturday. The second session follows on the next Thursday.

I’m really looking forward to it. I’m a fairly experienced researcher but recognise I have gaps in my knowledge. I’m looking forward to picking the brains of those more experienced than I am. I’m also looking forward to getting more background and understanding for some of the stories I am writing about my Australian ancestors.

The first session is a full day seminar on Saturday 21 March from 9am to 4.30pm. It is a hybrid seminar with the opportunity to attend in person at the Library at the Dock, or in the comfort of your own home.

We have great speakers lined up and plenty of time for Q&A and catching up with fellow researchers. Quite a bit of this seminar will cover First Nations people, a topic that was strongly requested in our survey last year. If you’re like me you have very little understanding how our squatting/settling ancestors impacted the local indigenous people.

The second session is an afternoon zoom class all about convict research. Thursday 26 March at 1.30pm. Everything you ever wanted to know about convict resources and even some things that you didn’t know you needed to know! There are a number of little known resources available online or in repositories around Australia. You will be guided as to how to access them.

You can sign up for all nine sessions, or individual seminar and/or zoom sessions. Check the What’s On>Events page of the GSV website. Be sure to log in first to get the special member price.

This is open to non-members too but the price is higher - what a great excuse to join the GSV!

You can join and immediately get the member’s discount by phoning our office between 10am and 4pm on Tue - Fri on 03 9662 4455.

Any questions, email Michael on austresearch@gsv.org.au

Jackie van Bergen

Writing this makes us realise just how many discussion circles the GSV offers — what an extraordinary resource for our members!

After listening to feedback from members and convenors, we’ve made a few changes to the schedule and organisation of our free discussion circles. With so many options each month, choices were becoming difficult — and the workload for our volunteer convenors was growing. These adjustments will help ensure our circles remain engaging and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Why attend a discussion circle live?

Because that’s where the real ‘magic’ happens. You can join the Q&A, share insights, learn from others’ research experiences, test ideas, and even submit a brick wall in advance for group discussion. The recordings are valuable — but the interaction is even better.

Please check the What’s On page (Events tab) for upcoming dates.

Remember to register at the start of each year, as Zoom links change annually. Circle pages are currently being updated — thank you for your patience.

2026 Discussion Circle Schedule

Monthly

• AI for Genealogy (Feb–Nov)
• British India
• DNA Study Group (Feb–Dec)
• Family History Toolbox (formerly Family History Tips & Tricks and The Good Oil) – alternates Wed/Fri
• GSV Writers (Feb–Dec)
• Victoria & Tasmania (Jan–Nov)

Bi-monthly

• Welsh (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec)

Quarterly

• Convicts & Transportation (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)
• Counties of Northern England (CONE) (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)
• International Settlers (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)
• Irish Ancestry (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)
• London & SE Counties (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)
• Early English – pre-1800 (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec)
• England & Wales (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec)
• Midlands & East Anglia (Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct)
• SW England (SWERD) (Feb, Apr, Jul, Oct)
• Scottish (Mar, Jun, Sep, Nov)

For more information see https://www.gsv.org.au/special-interest-groups

Our appeal for a microfiche and film scanner and associated equipment is well on the way to its goal.

By mid-February, generous donors had contributed more than 60%, $12,400, of the $20,000 we need to be able to purchase the equipment and start scanning.

We owe special thank-yous to everyone who has already donated, some with extraordinarily generous gifts.

We're near, but have a way to go.

If you have not made a donation yet, would you be prepared to help get us over the line and enable our volunteers to start scanning?

Whether it be $50, $100, or even $1,000 or $5,000, every gift will bring us closer to being able to save and secure our microfiche and film records, for the use of current and future generations of members.

Donations to the GSV are tax-deductible. They can be made online through the Donate Now link on the GSV website homepage, or by calling the GSV (on 9662 4455) with your credit card details, or by a cheque in the mail (to Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000).

With your support, I hope my next note to you is to announce that we have reached our goal.

Thank you in advance.

Brian Reid

If you’re researching your Australian family — or thinking about starting — this course offers the structure, skills, and historical framework to help you do it well.

Family history is more than collecting names and dates. To truly understand your ancestors, you need to place them in their time and place — within the social, economic, and historical context that shaped their lives. This course provides a comprehensive guide to researching families in Australia while building that essential framework.

Designed for adult learners, both beginners and experienced researchers will benefit.

Participants will develop:

• Stronger research skills and techniques — learn how to approach your research systematically, analyse evidence, and avoid common pitfalls.
• A broader understanding of Australian history — gain insight into the events and movements that influenced where families migrated, lived and worked.
• Knowledge of the types of records available — explore BDM registrations, church records, land and probate files, immigration and military records, newspapers, electoral rolls, and more.
• Confidence in where and how to access these records — discover how to navigate archives, libraries, and online repositories effectively.

The course format supports steady, meaningful progress. It begins with a full-day hybrid seminar (attend in person or online), followed by seven monthly Zoom sessions — allowing time to apply what you learn between classes — and concludes with a final full-day hybrid seminar to consolidate your knowledge.

Beginners will gain a clear roadmap and strong foundation. More experienced family historians will refine their techniques, expand their understanding of Australian sources, and strengthen their historical context.

Family history is about preserving stories and creating a legacy. With the right skills and knowledge, you can research with confidence and bring your ancestors’ lives into sharper focus.

If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of researching families in Australia, this course will guide you every step of the way.

You can find more details on our dedicated course page of our website: https://www.gsv.org.au/australian-family-history-course-research-strate… Or you can email our course manager, Michael at austresearch@gsv.org.au

Not a member? Join now to get member rates but you’ll need to phone our office to do that: Tue - Fri 10am - 4pm 03 9662 4455.

Access most of the commercial databases for free:

As a member, you can access the following two databases from home: The Genealogist, MyHeritage. Email or phone our office to get the passwords. In addition to this, you can visit our library and access these four sites: ancestry.com, Findmypast, British Newspaper Archive and Biographical Database of Australia.

Access Australian and international journals for free:

Many journal articles have been indexed and listed in the GSV catalogue which members can access from home. If you see something of interest, you can request it via the quick look up service on our research services page.

Free help & research assistance:

Members can access a Quick Look Up for a research query of about 20 minutes length. Our researchers can check in any books or digital documents/databases only available at the GSV premises and send you a copy. As soon as you get the answer to one quick look up, you can request another!
A bonus if you live 100km or more from our premises: you can access 2 hours free research per year.
Our Members Help Members Forum taps into the collective knowledge of our membership.

Free talks and recordings:

Our regular discussion circles are free for members and most are recorded for viewing for a month.
We have over 250 recordings of previous talks available through our catalogue.

Enjoy the use of our resources today - they’re your resources too. 

You can read more of what is included in your membership at https://www.gsv.org.au/membership-benefits-0

Come and join us today.

We have exciting news to share! The Genealogical Society of Victoria (GSV) has launched its official YouTube channel and we would love for you to be part of it.
We’ve called it Family History with GSV

Why YouTube?

Family history is full of fascinating discoveries but sometimes knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Our new channel is here to make it easier, more engaging and accessible for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned researcher or just starting out, you will find something valuable.

What’s on the Channel?

We are creating short, practical videos packed with tips, tutorials and inspiration. Here is a taste of what is to come:

• GSV Discovery Series – Quick tutorials on using GSV resources like our catalogue, GIN, Milestone
• Family History in 5 – Bite-sized tips for beginners: starting your tree, interviewing relatives
• Declutter Your Past – Organising and preserving your family history collection at home
• Member Stories  – Inspiring research stories from our members
• Collection Highlights – Discover our collection

Why Subscribe?

• Get practical tips to boost your research skills
• Discover resources you didn’t know existed
• Connect with a community passionate about family history

Help Us Spread the Word

We would love your support in making this channel a success!

• Subscribe today: www.youtube.com/@GSVFamilyHistory
• Share the channel with friends, family, and anyone curious about their roots
• Leave a comment on our videos, we want to hear your ideas and questions!

Discover a world of family history!

At the GSV we have a number of ways we can help you with your research using DNA:

• on Saturday 14 February at 1pm on Zoom, the Irish Ancestry Discussion circle has guest speaker Craig Smith presenting on Genetic Genealogy - Practical Examples of Using DNA for Family History Research.  It is not a detailed study of the intricacies of DNA testing but gives good examples of how it helps genealogists. Craig is an active member and moderator of the Facebook group Using DNA for Genealogy - Australia & NZ and an administrator of the Mawdsley DNA Project at FamilyTreeDNA. For members only, free event.
• our 2026 Using DNA for Family History course begins on Wednesday 18 March at 10am on Zoom. This seven session course will continue monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from March to September. The course is planned to run as a progression of classes ideally to be completed consecutively, but can be taken as one off events for those who need a refresher on that topic. Those who wish to attend specific sessions only should book those individually. A Facebook group is available to support group discussion and learning for the duration of the course. This course is open to members and non-members, check website for cost.
• our DNA study group meets monthly on the 1st Tuesday of each month, starting on 3 February, except for evening meetings in the months of April and August. This group is intended for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users. It is a self help group for those familiar with DNA terminology and available tools to hone their skills. For members only, free event.

For more information and to book, please go to our website and look under the What’s On tab - Events, or on the special DNA page:
https://www.gsv.org.au/dna-and-family-history-gsv
If you are a member, please log in to register for the member only events, and to access special pricing for the course.

This Tuesday 27 January is forecast to be 42°C. The GSV have decided to close the office and library for the safety (and comfort) of staff and volunteers.

I can remember growing up in the Wimmera: everything (work, sport, even school, etc) would close or stop on the Total Fire Ban days or if the temperature went above a certain level. I can remember being excited when the forecast would be high because we would get sent home from school and could go swimming! 
Way out there in the dry north west, the closure was not really for the comfort of the workers or sports people but for allowing those people to be at their own properties to defend them if necessary. The biggest reason was so that there was not unnecessary traffic on the roads that could potentially block the path of emergency vehicles.

Do you have memories of past heatwaves? Did you get to skip school? Did you perhaps have a large veranda you got to sleep on? How did you keep cool? Perhaps this is a good time to share these memories. Write them down and talk to your children / grandchildren. 

Last November I tuned into a very interesting talk put on by the History Council of Victoria as part of their Making Public Histories series. This was in the form of a panel talk and discussion about heatwaves and history in twentieth century Australia. A mix of public and environmental historians talked about how heatwaves affected our ancestors decisions about housing, clothing, sleep, food and social interaction as well as professional and domestic labour. 

The talk series is at https://www.historycouncilvic.org.au/making_public_histories_seminar_se…, and the discussion "Talking bout the weather" is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV9xJunq_RE

So the advice from the GSV: stay home, stay safe, and access our resources and databases from home. But make sure you keep your devices charged up in case of power outage. 

Jackie van Bergen

First I want to apologise for a couple of incorrect dates in the last blog. There’s only one volunteer blog writer and no editor so please if you can help me, email blog@gsv.org.au 
The more of us who write blogs or check them, the less each of us will have to do.
I hope you have all managed to go to the Activities tab of our website and see the correct dates and details of our upcoming events. These events have been organised by volunteers who have been doing an amazing job putting the new programs together and revising previous years to ensure our offerings are up to date. 

The GSV is always looking for volunteers. We have so many opportunities I’m sure we can find something that suits your expertise or desire. Perhaps you have a skill from your working days that could really help us? Perhaps you worked in something all your life and don’t want to do anything like that anymore? Talk to us.

A couple of other areas we really want help with at the moment are:

• help with facilitating our discussion circles - assist other convenors to plan and run meetings, and to send out notices before and after each meeting. You don’t have to present, just help.
• an assistant course co-ordinator for our writing family stories course - liaise with the presenters and participants, answering questions and sometimes tech support.
• assistance with turning our recordings into webcasts - a computer based job but you will be trained. Maybe you will learn some good skills to turn some of your own memories into movies?
• social media posts including YouTube videos - we have a new YouTube channel and we’d love to get some more short videos up. You would work with Trena to do this.
• indexing and scanning with an established team. Training provided.
• promotional activities - help us identify opportunities to get our message out, perhaps you have skills in graphics or Canva.

Email membersupport@gsv.org.au if you can help with the above or have other ideas.

Please note: Phone bookings are now open.
Are you one of the people who have been itching to book but don’t like online bookings?
Linda is back in the office and ready to take your bookings for our fabulous events.
She can also help you become a member if you want to take advantage of the large discounts for members for our upcoming talks and courses.

Jackie van Bergen