Australasian Association of Genealogists and Record Agents - AAGRA

19/08/2026

⭐ Congratulations to Rebecca Spiers on Achieving the IHGS Postgraduate Diploma

Congratulations to Rebecca Spiers for achieving the postgraduate Diploma in Genealogy of the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) in Canterbury, Kent.

Rebecca’s Diploma portfolio demonstrated a high level of genealogical proficiency, and showed great depth and breadth of experience. She used sound analytical and methodical research skills, and a wide variety of records to produce five pieces that spanned from the 20th to the 16th century.

One of Rebecca’s portfolio pieces, the Spiers Family of Hampshire, is in the process of being made available at the Hampshire Archives.

Rebecca is now a graduate member of IHGS. The qualification is also recognised as meeting the eligibility requirements to apply for membership of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) in England and Wales, and The Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG).

Well done Rebecca!

For more info, head over to our website - https://tinyurl.com/srtnfu6w

14/08/2026

“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

S – Shipping Registers, Immigration Records, and Passenger Lists

Migration records tell the story of your ancestors’ journeys and new beginnings.

Passenger lists, immigration cards, and shipping registers may provide names, ages, occupations, and destinations. These records are essential for tracing migrants and understanding their movements.

Locating passenger lists in Australia often depends upon where they landed. Some records are withing State Libraries and State Record Offices, some are listed on the National Archives of Australia and others have been digitised and can be searched on subscription sites like Ancestry and Findmypast (keep in mind you can access these sites for free at most State Libraries). Some arrivals were reported in newspapers so that is always worth searching too.

These records are essential for tracing our ancestors and understanding their movements.

Explore passenger lists to follow an ancestor’s journey across the seas.

(All images in the A to Z series were created by AI).

07/08/2026

🎉 Congratulations to AAGRA Accredited Genealogist Judy Purkiss, who took out two awards at this year's SJ Remembers Community History Awards:

a) First Place in Original Research, and
b) The prestigious Jan Skillington Award, for her piece "A House with Deep Roots," tracing the story of a Federation-era Byford cottage and the twelve families who called it home.

Read more about Judy's win here: https://www.aagra.asn.au/aagra-member-judy-purkiss-wins-two-sj-remembers-community-history-awards/

Well done, Judy! 👏

30/07/2026

AAGRA MEMBER MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Congratulations to AAGRA Accredited Genealogist Maureen Martin Ferris on her contribution to an important Tasmanian heritage project.

As President and Research Officer of the Glamorgan Spring Bay Historical Society, Maureen played a key role in the publication of 'Tasmanian Built', a project written by the Tasmanian Heritage Council to mark 30 years of the Tasmanian Heritage Register.

We're proud to recognise the many ways our members contribute to preserving Australia's history, not only through family history research but also through their work with historical societies, archives and heritage organisations.

Read more about this project on the AAGRA News webpage - https://tinyurl.com/5cdeakkt

23/07/2026

NATIONAL FAMILY HISTORY MONTH 2026: FEATURING OUR MEMBERS' OWN INTERESTS

National Family History Month provides an opportunity not only to celebrate family history, but also to recognise the importance of continuing professional development within the genealogy community.

Throughout August, AAGRA members are actively contributing to the profession in a variety of ways. Some are sharing their expertise through presentations, publications, podcasts and community engagement, while others are investing in their own professional development by attending lectures, workshops and heritage events. Whether presenting or participating, these activities reflect a commitment to lifelong learning, maintaining professional standards, and staying informed about new research methods and historical resources.

Grouped by region, below is a snapshot of where some of our members' interests are taking them during National Family History Month. Perhaps there’s something here that may be of interest to you as well.

(Note: This article is easier to read on our webpage which also has links to the events if you require more information:- https://tinyurl.com/48fy54b3 )

NEW SOUTH WALES
📍 Frances Cairns
As Secretary of The Military History Society of NSW, Frances Cairns is starting the month at the Anzac Memorial for a lecture on WWII Special Operations Executive heroines, followed by a Cornish Association of NSW meeting which is also on 1 August. On 15 August, she will explore regional and cultural history by attending the Kiama Historical Society’s presentation on South Coast shipwrecks, followed by a U3A Kanahooka session, “Women Pioneers in Archelogy Breaking Ground”, on 28 August.

📍 Kat Le Gay Brereton
Kat Le Gay Brereton is engaging with diverse storytelling mediums this month, participating in State Library of Queensland family history mapping sessions and attending Clancestry at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre to see Gunawarra Re-Creation, a play exploring the continuation of culture. In her capacity as a remote worker for the Northern Territory, she is also advocating for vulnerable communities by connecting Find & Connect and Forced Adoption Support clients with vital resources, including the upcoming introductory research session at Casuarina Library on 18 August.

NEW ZEALAND
📍 James Tait
James Tait will be attending two events during Family History Month:- first, a National Library of New Zealand webinar on the 27th August titled "We are not one people: From Parihaka to a Pākehā myth", present by Richard Shaw. On the 29 August, he will attend the annual Greater Wellington Branch Family History Month event at the Tawa Union Church, which features this year’s theme "Round the Isles" and showcases presentations and exhibitors specialising in British Isles ancestral research.

📍 Bruce Ralston
Bruce Ralson is utilizing this month to prepare content for the AFFHO Congress to be held in Wellington in February 2027. This includes a personal and parallel view of genealogical activity in New Zealand over the last 60 years, and a combined Australia and New Zealand session review of what family history societies have been doing to assist family historians and preserve resources for the future.

TASMANIA
📍 Maureen Martin Ferris
Historian Maureen Martin Ferris will be attending the National Family History Month event, "Convict Connections", hosted by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority at the Cascades Female Factory on 29–30 August. She is available at the event to help you with your research.

📍 Dr Dianne Snowden AM
Dr Dianne Snowden AM will be attending the National Family History Month event, Convict Connections, hosted by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority at the Cascades Female Factory on 29–30 August. The event features a wide range of groups, including the Tasmanian Family History Society and representatives from the UTAS family history course.

VICTORIA
📍 Rachel Croucher
Rachel Croucher will present Researching Indian and South East Asian Family History: A Road Map at Liverpool Library on 3 August, sharing practical guidance for researching South Asian family histories. Throughout the month, listeners can also hear Rachel discuss the unique challenges and rewards of tracing Indian and South Asian ancestry in the Chats Over Chai podcast episode, Tracing Roots: Exploring Indian and South Asian Heritage in Australia.

📍 Alison Dennison
Alison Dennison will be attending several of the Genealogical Society of Victoria’s (GSV) Family History Month activities, including the GSV Writers Discussion Circle on 5 August which is running a writing exercise about an ancestor’s religion. She is part of the group coordinating GSV’s ‘Getting Started with Oral History: Every Story Matters' session which will be held on 13 August.

📍 Peter Matthews
Peter Matthews (PM Research Services) is spending National Family History Month continuing his work on a collaborative local history book, the tenth in a series focusing on organisations in the Goulburn Valley. He is also supporting the Greater Shepparton community through genealogical research and has recently completed a digital, searchable image database for the local Agricultural Show Society.

📍 Ann Mushet
Ann Mushet is spending National Family History Month preparing an article on a fascinating recent research project tracing a Melbourne family's Maltese and Libyan heritage. The story, which explores wartime internment, migration, and the unexpected role of DNA in uncovering family connections, will be featured on the AAGRA News page later this month.

📍 Bronwyn Paschalidis
Bronwyn Paschalidis will be giving a presentation “The Women Behind the Man” at a joint meeting of the Genealogical Society of Victoria's (GSV) Victoria / Tasmania, and Convict and Transportation Discussion Circles. Her talk will cover who Scotsman William Murray was, the lives of a few of the female convicts who worked for William Murray between 1844 and 1853 (including her 3x great grandmother Margaret Twohill),and briefly touch on her present-day connection to William Murray and the Western District of Victoria.

📍 Anita Payne
Anita Payne is getting an early head start on the month’s activities by attending the State Library Victoria’s free online workshop, Your Library Online: Advanced Searching, on Thursday 30 July. This interactive Zoom session will focus on mastering advanced search techniques to efficiently locate and verify high-quality historical sources just before the official launch of National Family History Month.

📍 Rebecca Spiers
Rebecca Spiers is focusing on unique historical preservation methods this month by attending two key events hosted by the National Library of Australia. On 20 August, she will explore the art of capturing spoken family stories during The Memory Collectors: Conversations with Oral Historians, followed by an in-depth look at ancient record curation on 27 August with Making of a Medieval Manuscript: From Cover to Cover.

📍 Louise Wright
Louise Wright will be attending two online State Library events during National Family History Month. On 20 August, she will attend Why Did They Come Here? Immigration Journeys for Family History Research, which explores the many reasons people migrated to Australia and the records those journeys created for family historians. This will be followed by Discovering Ancestors with the Biographical Database of Australia on 25 August.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
📍 Judy Purkiss
Judy Purkiss will begin the month with a guided tour of the heritage-listed Midland Town Hall on the 1 August, before attending the State Library of NSW webinar Discovering Ancestors with the Biographical Database of Australia on the 25 August. The webinar explores how this valuable resource can help researchers uncover rich biographical information and strengthen Australian family history research.

Learning never stops. Historical resources continue to expand, new technologies emerge, and fresh perspectives regularly reshape the way we approach research.

Whether sharing knowledge with others or taking the opportunity to learn something new, AAGRA members demonstrate an ongoing commitment to professional development and the high standards that underpin quality genealogical research. We thank everyone who shared their August activities and wish them an enjoyable and rewarding National Family History Month.

Images taken at various 2025 Family History Events (including some of our members)   National Family History Month provides an opportunity not only to celebrate family history, but also to recognise the importance of continuing professional development within the genealogy community. Throughout Aug...

18/07/2026

“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

Q – Questions: Curiosity Drives Research

Asking the right questions fuels effective research.

Always ask why ancestors moved, how they earned a living, or what influenced family choices. Consider if family stories that have been passed down are true. Ask yourself, how can you check aspects of the story to verify it’s accuracy.

Questioning assumptions ensures thorough research and prevents errors from being accepted as fact. Keep a list of unanswered questions to guide future investigation.

Write down three questions about your ancestors you haven’t answered yet and research them this week.

(All images in the A to Z Series were created with AI).

17/07/2026

“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

R – Record Types: Know What You’re Using

Not all records are equal—understanding types ensures accuracy.

Know the difference between primary, secondary, indexes, transcripts, and original records. Primary sources are created at the time of an event, while secondary sources interpret them.
Examples of primary sources are birth, marriage and death registrations, census’ documents etc. Informants of these documents often participated in the event. Secondary records are created later and information may be drawn from primary and other sources, these may include transcribed records, biographical directories, family histories, indexes etc. Primary sources are generally considered more accurate as the people involved are reporting the event and there is less copying. Secondary sources can provide wonderful clues as some interpretation may be included. It’s important to independently verify the information is correct.

Using reliable and multiple sources is essential for accurate genealogy.

Review your sources and ensure you know which are primary, secondary, or derivative.

(Note: All images in our A to Z series were created with AI).

10/07/2026

👀 LOOKING AHEAD 👀 …..
August is National Family History Month!

AFFHO advises that the 2026 topic is "Ancestors: Mundane to Magnificent"!

Whether you're just starting your family tree or tackling a long-standing brick wall, August is packed with talks, workshops, open days and webinars across Australia—and if your across the Tasman, there’s some in New Zealand too!
We've gathered just a small selection of events happening around the country to help you get involved. If you know of other Family History Month events, please share it in the comments below. Don't forget to include the state (or country) and a link so others can find it.

👉 NEW SOUTH WALES
• Family History Month: The Garden That Never Disappeared – Free | Dr Christopher Cheng hosts an intriguing in-person look at nineteenth- and twentieth-century Cantonese market-gardening families. This family history talk on the 14 August 2026 does require booking. Details can be verified via the Liverpool City Library Event Page - https://tinyurl.com/4nzvdf43
• Discovering Ancestors with the Biographical Database of Australia – Free | A live digital webinar, on the 25 August 2026, teaching researchers how to navigate and break through brick walls using the BDA. Registrations are open via the State Library of NSW Event Hub - https://tinyurl.com/bdkhumzd
• Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History – Paid | A major two-day, face-to-face intensive genealogy course running over 7–8 August 2026. Bookable directly at the Society of Australian Genealogists Kent Street Centre - https://www.sag.org.au/event-6531096

👉 VICTORIA
• Family History Month Drop-In Consultations – Free | One-on-one appointments running all through August 2026 covering Trove, Ancestry, and how to research your physical family heirlooms. Details are listed on the Mildura Rural City Council Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/mr2y9zvm
• Enhancing Family History Research with Trove Newspapers Online – Free | A hands-on, librarian-guided workshop on 25 August 2026 teaching deep search methods for historical news. Note: At the time of writing this event is fully booked, however a waitlist is available. Hosted via Croydon Library - https://events.yourlibrary.vic.gov.au/event?id=81257
• Researching Your Family History – Free | An expert-led class on 15 August 2026 breaking down modern digital repository frameworks. Registrations are managed on the Genealogical Society of Victoria (GSV) Program - https://tinyurl.com/4ae9x5r8

👉 QUEENSLAND
• Who’s Your Mob? Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander family history workshop – Free | Bookings required for this in-Library event where you will be shown the State Library of Queensland’s resources and collections available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history research - https://tinyurl.com/23yzkzna
• Genealogical Society of Qld Inc Open Day – Free | An in-person open day, research help available and talks from 10am to 2pm on the 22 August 2026. Details at GSQ - https://gsq.org.au/event/gsq-open-day
• The Search for Isabella – Free | Back by Popular Demand! A Presentation by Dr Roger Wilkinson AM speaking about his great aunt, her life as a doctor and a missionary in China. Bookings required for this Queensland Family History Society Inc presentation. - https://tinyurl.com/3tabusju

👉 TASMANIA
• Talk: Alice and Daniel Stanfield at Launceston Library - Free | A public author talk tracking a First Fleet family's impact on early Australia, bookable via the Launceston Library Eventbrite Hub - https://tinyurl.com/3wk8cn9j
• Talk: Are you an Arnott’s baby? - Free | Join historian Greg Coode at Launceston Library on the 26 August as he shares his research about Arnott’s Living Pictures campaign and talks about the role of Arnott’s Milk Arrowroot biscuits and how they were presented as potentially lifesaving source of nutrition back in the day. Booking Essential - https://tinyurl.com/yc4sab9u
• Family History Basic Course – Free | Beginners Course starting the 7 August, 2 hours a week for 6 weeks, ideal for those just starting out. Bookings required, sessions held at the Bridgewater Library - https://tinyurl.com/mryn4j55

👉 SOUTH AUSTRALIA
• GenealogySA Library Tour - Free for Members / Paid for non-members | In-Person Library tour for more about their resources, includes BMD indexes with certificates on microfiche, newspapers, family histories, shipping records etc. Running on the 8th August at GenealogySA - https://tinyurl.com/k5am94bb
• DNA Painter Workshop – Online – Paid | Learn how to map chromosomes. This workshop requires attendees to have a basic understanding of managing DNA matches and attributing them to a common ancestry. For details and bookings check with GenealogySA - https://tinyurl.com/3wpumvta
• 1:1 Family History Help – Free | Need assistance with our family history? Book a one-on-one session with dedicated library staff. Available on the 11th and 25th August at Elizabeth Library - https://tinyurl.com/mr3zkv53

👉 WESTERN AUSTRALIA
• Growing Your Family Tree Day – Free | FamilyHistoryWA are running a free event called “Growing your Family Tree” with presentations at the State Library of Western Australia. Their experienced family historians will provide information on how to start your research, resources available and how you can break down “brick walls”. Choose either the 12th or 13th August 2026 - https://tinyurl.com/2s3bb9e6
• Family History Talk “Getting Started” – Free | – Held on the 26 August 2026 at the State Library of WA, this is an introductory talk ideal for those just beginning. Bookings are required - https://slwa.wa.gov.au/whats-on/family-history-talk
• Family History Pop-Up Duncraig Library – Free | Visit the family history help stall for friendly one-on-one assistance with researching your ancestry, Run by the City of Joondalup on 17 August 2026 - https://tinyurl.com/y7pzxass

👉AUSTRALIA CAPITAL TERRITORY
• Speaker's Corner: Archives, Art, and Family History – Paid | Artist Ruth Maddison explores navigating national archival collections using family ASIO surveillance files. Register for the August 4 session via VisitCanberra - https://tinyurl.com/3yj2wrck
• Capturing your Family Stories – Paid | Learn how to record your loved ones’ stories and preserve their voices for the future. This onsite workshop is available on both the 14th and 15th August 2026 at the National Library of Australia. Bookings essential - https://tinyurl.com/4j7rvesx

👉NORTHERN TERRITORY
• Getting Started with Family History Research – Event only for NT Senior Card Holders | Step by step approach to provide simple clear research guidance. Held at the Casuarina Library on the 18th August 2026 - https://tinyurl.com/3776rs6n
• History of Territory Print Making - Free | Focus on how regional family, political and cultural lives has been captured through independent local press. Held at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, bookings required - https://tinyurl.com/ckac7h59

👉NEW ZEALAND
• Family History in the AI Era Webinar – Free | Expert genealogist Fiona Brooker runs specialized sessions exploring how artificial intelligence is changing research workflows. Running 6 August 2026 with Tauranga City Libraries and repeating 24 August 2026 with the New Zealand Society of Genealogists (NZSG) Nelson Branch. Bookings - https://tinyurl.com/4vvb3kyy
• Wellington Family History Month Open Day – Free | A major community gathering featuring local research mentors, table displays, and repository advice. Scheduled for 29 August 2026 at the Tawa Union Church, with logistics managed by the Wellington Family History Month Group - https://tinyurl.com/mwem4un3
• Christchurch Family History Expo – Free | Two days of free sessions focusing on different areas of family history, both local and international. Held on the 2nd & 3rd August, the list of speakers and further details are available from the Christchurch City Council Libraries - https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/family-history-expo/

👉 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
• AFFHO Family History Month - AFFHO have a list of events that has been registered with them - https://www.affho.org/whats-on/
• AAGRA - Paid | Interested in your family tree but don't wish to do it yourself? Or you've hit a brick wall that you can't get over? AAGRA's Accredited Genealogists and Record Agents are available for paid research - https://tinyurl.com/3bk22xvh

Please note: The events listed above are provided as a community resource only. AAGRA is not affiliated with, nor does it endorse, the organisations listed unless specifically stated. We have not assessed the quality or content of these events, and attendees should make their own enquiries to determine whether an event meets their individual interests and needs.

📸Image created by AI

04/07/2026

“A to Z Genealogy Tips – Fortnightly Series”

P – Professional Research: When You Hit a Wall

Sometimes, hiring a professional genealogist or record agent is the best way to move past research or time challenges.

Accredited professionals have expertise, methodology, access to repositories, and skills in document evaluation. Some also have skills specific areas such DNA analysis. They can often save you a lot of time due to their knowledge and experience. Before hiring, clarify fees, expectations, and deliverables.

Professionals can save time and provide guidance in complex research situations.
AAGRA have a list of Record Agents, Genealogists and a Probate Genealogist in Australia and New Zealand to help you with your project. To find the one that best fits your requirements, you can choose by type of researcher, research specialities, geographic specialities or area the researcher is based - https://tinyurl.com/3bk22xvh .

Consider consulting a professional researcher for your toughest genealogy questions.

(All images in the A to Z Series were created with AI).

02/07/2026

FRESH FROM THE PRESSES! We are delighted to share a new feature article by our very own Vice President, Rachel M. Croucher MAAGRA.

Writing for the South Asian Salon, Rachel tracks her complex ancestral journey from Punjab to Australia while breaking down a culture of historical concealment. It is a fantastic look at how family historians can use primary records and oral history to conquer tough genealogical brick walls.
• ✨ Discover her deep archival breakthroughs.
• 📜 Learn how she extracted vital details from primary registries.
• 🗣️ Explore the power of oral histories in filling archive gaps.

👉 Head over to our website to read our full announcement and find the link to her piece: https://www.aagra.asn.au/reculturing-my-roots-from-australia-to-punjab/