Find fascinating stories about your ancestors in the documents created by national, state/territory and local governments within Australia. All aspects of life are documented, from education to death, from their military service or occupations to their success or failure in business, detailing where and how they lived. All these provide the material for you to record a richer family history.

What was it like to fly in combat in World War II? In a word – dangerous. But more lives were lost to mishap and adventure than to the guns of the enemy. It was the biggest war in our planet’s history, and in many ways it was an air war, from the bombers dropping their deadly ordnance to the fighters that kept them safe. This presentation explains much of the reality – and debunks much of the myth.

The raid by 188 aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy on 19 February 1942 struck a hammerblow against Australia. But it was only one of 208 enemy aircraft missions against the country; many amassing bombers by the score to raid our northern coasts. Over the years numerous myths have sprung up: the government tried to keep the raids secret; thousands more died than were accounted for; the military ignored crucial warnings – and more. Find out the real story.

Why does the Navy employ poets? How do you find out what went on in grand-dad’s battalion – and what is a battalion anyway? Why don’t Service Records tell you much of a story, and where do you go next? Learn the secrets to researching your military friend’s and family’s past, and learn some background on Teddy Sheean VC – our latest Victoria Cross, and only the 101st in our history.

Sewerage is not something we instantly associate with our ancestors, nor is it a resource that many people have high on their list for checking. For those who have looked at sewerage plans, you will start to understand the value of this resource. But when you dig even deeper into sewerage records [pun intended!] you will start to understand why this is a magnificent resource. These records don’t discriminate between large mansions and small workers’ cottages – they are all encompassing – you just have to dig them out!

Have you been frustrated or stuck in your family history research? Been searching and researching for a very long time? Do you feel that you haven’t solved everything or that you still don't have the answers? These are common feelings of being frustrated, annoyed and stuck. By the end of this session, I will have given you some hidden pieces of the puzzle, to expand and grow your family history research. My hope that you feel less frustrated and annoyed, and instead feel inspired and equipped to try new ways and techniques to solve the puzzle.

The loss of the cruiser Sydney was the greatest maritime defeat the Royal Australian Navy has ever suffered. But it was only part of a huge naval war that raged around Australia’s coasts in World War II. Mine-layers; submarines, and surface vessels all cost thousands of lives in the war. Hear and read of the battles that menaced our country.

Approximately 3600 protesters were transported to Australia because of their participation in riots, union or national movements. Forced into an inhuman system of coerced labour, many more convicts engaged in acts of defiance after their arrival. Modern data visualisations bring new understanding.

A plethora of information and data is available for you at the Queensland Family History Society’s website. Step through and glimpse the world from it’s website!. Sponsored by Queensland Family History Society

From the 300-page Addresses to Sir George Grey, to the Pioneer Women's Honour Roll, the Old Colonists Association Register to the C. Little & Sons Funeral Director cards, Auckland Libraries continues to digitise all manner of items for Aucklanders to enjoy. Join family history librarian Seonaid Lewis on a tour of these treasures and learn about the stories behind them, the information held in them, and how you can access them on Kura Heritage Collections Online.

”Breaking down brick walls in your family history research” looks at how to resolve stumbling blocks in your family history research using new and unique search strategies to find those missing relatives. Techniques covered include searching for a family using just the individuals' forenames, keyword search tools (using criteria other than a name to search on) and other advanced search techniques. The talk also covers unique data sets such as Tithe records, Occupational Records, Non-Conformist records, Will images, Parish Records, Military Records, Directories, Newspapers and more. This talk is suitable for all levels, for those with an interest in online research Sponsored by TheGenealogist.

Sponsored by VicGUM

Sponsored by TheGenealogist

Sponsored by Auckland Libraries

People from all around the world left their homes in search of a better life. Apart from those who came direct, many arrived In New Zealand having tried out Canada, the US, South Africa or Australia first. Let’s take a tour through New Zealand’s resources online available to help you find that lost Kiwi connection. Sponsored by Auckland Libraries

Findmypast is one of the UK’s largest family history websites and has the fastest growing collection of Scottish records online. With many more on the way, join resident genealogist Myko Clelland as we explore some of the key collections and expert techniques to get you further, faster. Let me know if you need anything else or if that's good - and if it is, I'll get on the recording and the rest of the preparations! Skill level - all levels Sponsored by Findmypast

The Victorian era is one of huge change in British society. Mass migration, the creation of new record types, and new technologies, all transformed our ancestors lives. This presentation will explore the records created during this period and how to get the best out of these on our genealogy journey. Skill level - all levels. Sponsored by Findmypast.

An overview of the online Diploma of Family History at the University of Tasmania – covering the course structure, what you’ll learn, and how we teach online.