Richmond-Tweed Family History Society

18/05/2026

08/03/2026

At yesterday’s meeting we heard four very interesting talks on the theme “Accidents, Near Misses and Survival.”
Our speakers were Dawn Lotty, Jan Ousby, Robyn Hilan and John Broadley.

From their own family history research, our speakers shared a variety of stories about the dangers faced by people in the past and how these events affected their families.

Topics included accidents at sea—where some survived and others tragically did not—railway accidents and disasters, and the lasting consequences for the families left behind.

All four presentations were very interesting and provided a powerful reminder that family history often reveals not only names and dates, but also the real-life events that shaped our ancestors’ lives.
OUR NEXT MEETING IS ON SATURDAY 11 TH APRIL

01/03/2026

🧱 Hit a Brick Wall in Your Family History? Join us online Saturday afternoon 14th March - all welcome: https://www.sag.org.au/event-6455563

This online mini-conference is designed to help you break through those research barriers using a powerful mix of proven techniques, fresh perspectives and practical tools.

You will explore how DNA evidence can work alongside traditional documentary research to unlock long-standing dead ends and discover where to turn when you need expert guidance. These sessions will encourage you to look beyond the obvious, rethink old problems and make better use of both well-known and lesser-known sources.

Practical, accessible and inspiring, this event is perfect for anyone ready to move their research forward with renewed confidence.

We are delighted to bring together an outstanding line-up of presenters:

✨ Christine Hingerty
✨ Danielle Lautrec
✨ Jeff Madsen
✨ Christine Woodlands
✨ Gemma Beswick

If you are ready to tackle those stubborn mysteries and see your family history with fresh eyes, this is the event for you.

08/02/2026

At our meeting yesterday we had an engaging presentation on Myths, Legends and Family Secrets. The speakers were Jill McCann, Jan Ousby, Victoria Evans, Robyn Hilan and Ann Emery. They reminded us that every family has a secret, and that family history research often uncovers wonderful, fascinating and sometimes unexpected stories.

Topics included convict ancestors—once something families preferred not to discover—along with adoptions that were sometimes kept secret, occasionally with sad consequences. We heard how research can reveal that long-held family stories are not always true, describing a case where information thought to be fact turned out to be a myth.

We also heard about bigamy hidden within a family, raising the question of how such secrets remained unknown at the time. Despite many stories being passed down, little evidence was found to fully support all of them, showing how myths and legends can develop over generations.

We were reminded that family history is as much about secrets and stories as it is about records and facts.

27/01/2026

https://preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webview/868118/177708630471083768

6.00pm Sydney Daylight Saving TimeOnlineFor Irish Special Interest Group Convenors or, in the case of smaller societies, a member of your committee who has the job similar to that of a convenor.

26/01/2026

BOOK LAUNCH
The Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan will be launching Ian Kirkland's new book
BOOYONG AND PEARCES CREEK DISTRICT