GSV News

We’ve recently had two requests for participation from our members

Miriam Reynoldson, a PhD student at RMIT University is researching how people engage in non-formal learning in digital spaces. She is seeking people to interview. Miriam is particularly interesting in people who learn through family history research, especially through digital archives and online communities. Her mother is involved with the GSV and with the Geelong Family History Group.

The image attached is her poster.

If you are interested in taking part in an interview with Miriam, or want learn more about her study, you can phone her on 0414 278 269 or email s4136644@student.rmit.edu.au

Another request was published in our recent e-News:

Wei Zhao is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne. They are conducting a project called TALES (Technology, Ageing, Life Experiences and Stories).

This project aims to explore life storytelling - how older adults capture and share their life stories and memories, and how technology can support these meaningful practices. They are also interested in hearing from those who have supported an older adult in telling their story.

There will be a short online survey. You can opt to do a follow up interview and be rewarded with a $30 gift voucher.

You can read more about the project here:

https://cis.unimelb.edu.au/research/hci/projects/digital-storytelling

If you are interested or have any questions you can email them at

tales-project@unimelb.edu.au

They offer help to complete the survey over the phone too

A friendly final reminder from the GSV Education Team.

If you've already completed our short survey—thank you! Your feedback is already helping shape the future of our talks, seminars, and resources.

Maybe you lost the original email or simply forgot; there's still time—but only until Monday, 15 July.

We know surveys can feel like a chore. But this one really is quick to complete, and your input genuinely matters. It helps us better understand what topics interest you, how you prefer to learn, and at what level.

You can also let us know if you’d like to get involved—whether that’s sharing your experience or helping out in small ways.

It only takes a few minutes, and your voice will help shape what we offer next.

Complete the survey here → SURVEY

Warm regards,
The GSV Education Team

We recently sent a short survey to all members.

You might be thinking, “Oh no, another survey that’ll take longer than they claim.”

But this one truly is brief—and the insights we gain from it are invaluable for shaping future GSV education talks, seminars, and resources.

The GSV Education Team is refocusing its efforts to identify and then offer more of what members genuinely want, at the level that suits you best. This is your opportunity to have a voice—and even a role—if you're interested in volunteering your time or skills.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already responded. The feedback so far has been fantastic.

If you haven’t had a chance yet, please respond by 15 July.

Warm regards,
The GSV Education Team

Come and spend the afternoon with us on Wed 9 July from 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

The Genealogical Society of Victoria invites you to learn more about researching your Scottish family history. The GSV library holds a large number of resources to assist with researching Scottish family history and many of our members have considerable research experience in this area.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about our resources, and meet our experts who will provide some individual assistance for your research. There will be an introductory talk and then plenty of time to explore both online and on the shelves.
This session is free and open to non-members as well as those members who aren’t familiar with the huge array of Scottish resources at the GSV.

Numbers are limited so book early.
Location: Level 1, 10 Queen St, Melbourne.

Bookings are essential
To book please go to: https://www.melbournetartanfestival.com.au/genealogy-discover-world-fam…
Other events we are offering for the Tartan Festival are on zoom:
Fri 18 Jul at 1pm: Research your Scottish ancestry - from Victoria back to Scotland
Mon 21 Jul at 1pm: How to access and use Scotlandspeople family history website.

For information on the festival and more events, please go to: https://www.melbournetartanfestival.com.au/

We are excited to inform you that one of the projects in which the GSV Research Team played a small, but integral, role has come to fruition. The premier of the documentary film By Far Kaymakchalan will be held this month as part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival.
Based on the work of historian Bojan Pajić, By Far Kaymakchalan tells a never before told story of Australia’s participation in World War One. Over 1500 Australian and New Zealand volunteers - nurses, doctors, ambulance drivers, soldiers, sailors and aircrew - served alongside Serbian forces. Many of the volunteers were women who were pioneers in their fields and in women’s rights. Not included in the official Australian war histories, this story was mostly unknown, unrecognised and forgotten.
The film follows six Australians, Doctor Mary De Garis, nursing sister Ethel Gillingham, writer Stella Miles Franklin, Sydney socialite Olive King, as well as soldiers Niall Mullarkey and Edward Ramage who served alongside Serbian forces on the Salonika Front. Bringing the knowledge of historians, military and medical experts together with the descendants of Australian volunteers, the film brings to life the volunteers and their war service.
The GSV Research Team, particularly the late Yvonne Izatt, worked for over a year identifying and tracking the descendants of the volunteers who served. Because of this work, you can now follow Bojan and some of these descendants on their trip to Serbia where the memories of these Australians and their service are still alive.
The premiere of By Far Kaymakchalan is on Sunday July 20th at 5:10pm at the Cinema Nova, Carlton.
Tickets for the premiere are available via the Cinema Nova website. More information about the documentary can be found on the Festival’s website or by clicking here.
The trailer for the documentary can be found on the GSV’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

As our financial year-end approaches, have you thought about what your family history and the GSV means to you? The GSV is always here to help you. To be able to do that and to continue to expand the scope of the help we offer, I am asking you to consider donating to help ensure the GSV remains in a sound position, able to provide an increasing breadth and depth of support for all of our members.

We have a number of on-going projects and some soon to be commenced, subject to the funds being available.

We need to continue to upgrade our website to make sure you are able to navigate it easily. We need to buy new software and to replace ageing and obsolete equipment. We need to further embrace digital marketing.

To be able to do all this and more requires funds beyond our income from membership fees. We need to ask for donations.

So this year I am being “adventurous” and hoping that with your support we will be able to raise $30,000.

If enough of our loyal members and supporters are prepared to chip in, I believe and hope this will be possible. And if you donate for the first time, we welcome you to this special group.

So my request to you is – would you please consider a donation to help ensure a strong and healthy future for the Genealogical Society of Victoria?

Whether it be $50, $100 or $500, any amount will be gratefully received.

I hope your answer is “yes” and that you’ll consider giving before 30 June.

Donations of $2 or more to the GSV more are fully tax-deductible. You can choose to give online through the Donate Now link on the GSV website homepage. Or if you’d find it easier, by calling the GSV on 03 9662 4455, and Linda will be happy to help you make a donation using your credit card. A third way to donate is by cheque, mailing it to the GSV, Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne Victoria, 3000.

I hope I’ll soon be signing a thank you letter to you.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Brian Reid
President

About the Genealogical Society of Victoria

The Genealogical Society of Victoria is a leading Australian family history society and exists to assist members in tracing and researching their ancestors and to promote the study of genealogy.

The GSV welcomes and supports members by providing the skills and experience to assist them to discover their family story. The Society’s objectives are to:

• provide focussed educational programs that are attractive to family historians,
• maintain and develop our in-house research skills and knowledge in order to provide a service to our members and the wider community,
• provide advice on the use of family history resources, and
• catalogue and make accessible historical records of genealogical interest.

Our centrally located Research & Education Centre at Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne, includes a significant library of books, journals, publications, maps, films etc., and a large and rapidly expanding collection of digitised records/documents and online databases.

Members are guided and assisted by experienced volunteer research assistants. Other services include presentations, classes and discussion circles (accessible from home via Zoom), forums, commissioned research and more.

The Opportunity

The GSV is seeking a highly motivated professional, passionate about working in the genealogy field.

This position is a permanent 0.4 FTE (14 hours over set days per week, Tuesday to Friday, days to be negotiated). This is a shared management position (both 0.4 FTE) with some distinct areas of responsibility.

Salary $30,870 ($82,687 FTE) plus 12% superannuation with 4 weeks FTE annual leave.

Key Responsibilities

• To manage, develop and promote the library’s research and education resources.
• To organise and support library research volunteers by mentoring and assisting them to develop their skills in information service provision
• To proactively engage with members to maximise their use of resources, databases, equipment, technology, and online platforms.
• To provide high-quality service to ensure members have a positive experience characterised by active engagement
• To contribute and work effectively within a team environment with other staff and volunteers.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will be a ‘people person’ with enthusiasm and high-level communication skills to effectively work within a team and/or individually with members.

Highly desirable is knowledge and/or experience of family history resources and database searching.

Familiarity with Lucidea Inmagic Presto software would be an advantage.

You will also have

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent combination of relevant experience and education/training.
• Relevant experience in developing and maintaining local or family history resources, digital collections and databases.
• Ability to creatively use a range of social media and multimedia technologies, including collaborating on the creation of web pages, blogs, wikis or multi-media communications.

How To Apply

If you require further information about the position, please contact Meg Bate at gsvlib2@gsv.org.au

Applications must include a resume and address the key responsibilities outlining your suitability for the role. Please supply contact details for two referees.

Applications close on 15 July 2025 and must be submitted to secretary@gsv.org.au

As our financial year-end approaches, have you thought about what your family history and the GSV means to you? The GSV is always here to help you. To be able to do that and to continue to expand the scope of the help we offer, I am asking you to consider donating to help ensure the GSV remains in a sound position, able to provide an increasing breadth and depth of support for all of our members.

We have a number of on-going projects and some soon to be commenced, subject to the funds being available.

We need to continue to upgrade our website to make sure you are able to navigate it easily. We need to buy new software and to replace ageing and obsolete equipment. We need to further embrace digital marketing.

To be able to do all this and more requires funds beyond our income from membership fees. We need to ask for donations.

So this year I am being “adventurous” and hoping that with your support we will be able to raise $30,000.

If enough of our loyal members and supporters are prepared to chip in, I believe and hope this will be possible. And if you donate for the first time, we welcome you to this special group.

So my request to you is – would you please consider a donation to help ensure a strong and healthy future for the Genealogical Society of Victoria?

Whether it be $50, $100 or $500, any amount will be gratefully received.

I hope your answer is “yes” and that you’ll consider giving before 30 June.

Donations of $2 or more to the GSV more are fully tax-deductible. You can choose to give online through the Donate Now link on the GSV website homepage. Or if you’d find it easier, by calling the GSV on 03 9662 4455, and Linda will be happy to help you make a donation using your credit card. A third way to donate is by cheque, mailing it to the GSV, Level 1, 10 Queen Street, Melbourne Victoria, 3000.

I hope I’ll soon be signing a thank you letter to you.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Brian Reid
President

As the winter weather sets in this week, perhaps you can spare an hour or two to join one of the next five GSV events. Each session is held via Zoom. You can register to attend any of these sessions until 10 minutes before the session via the GSV Events page. To access this page, search "GSV events" or visit https://www.gsv.org.au/current-and-upcoming-events.

Tonight - Tuesday 27^th May

7:30pm England and Wales Discussion Circle

Continuing the theme of researching military ancestors, this session looks at researching those in England and Wales who served in, or were affected by, 20th Century conflicts.

Tomorrow - Wednesday 28^th May

10:30am Family History Tips and Tools

State by State: Researching Family History in New South Wales using resources held by the Society of Australian Genealogists

While they help us research our family history no matter from where in the world we hail, local genealogical societies also develop expertise in researching the local area.  State by State: the genealogical resources of Australia gives GSV members a chance to hear from representatives of the state based societies around Australia. Presenters will highlight the special resources in their society's collection and answer questions about researching ancestors in their area.

On Wednesday 28th May Gemma Beswick and Vanessa Cassin, of the Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG) will speak on ‘Researching Family History in New South Wales’. Of particular use to anyone who had ancestors who lived or worked in colonial Australia, Gemma and Vanessa’s presentation will outline the unique resources such as early parish registers and cemetery transcripts offered by SAG. In addition to their archive of unique materials that have been collected since the 1940's, the Society has an extensive collection of books, microfiche, journals and other family history resources in their Library. Come along to learn about our sister family history society in New South Wales.

Tuesday 3^rd June

10:00am DNA Study Group

Our discussion circle for intermediate to advanced genetic genealogy users meets each month. It is a self-help group for people who are familiar with DNA terminology and available software tools, and who would like to work in a small study group where participants meet to continue to hone their skills in genetic genealogy. Participants need to have completed the GSV DNA for beginners classes or have a similar knowledge base.

Wednesday 4^th June

12:30pm GSV Writers Circle

In this month's meeting, Penny and Margaret will give you some tips on writing for interest and clarity so that your story will sparkle. Creative conversation will be led by Jenny and Clare. Clare will highlight some of the resources available to us and I will lead the following discussion: What would you like to include in your family history? Where have you found resources? What has stopped you including indigenous history in the past? These are just a few of the question we may discuss, so come ready to discuss this important topic.

Thursday 5^th June

7:30pm Welsh Research Discussion Circle

Please note a change of speaker and discussion for this evening meeting:

David Rowlands will talk about some of his ancestors who immigrated to Victoria, bringing Welsh influence with them. David gives us the following enticement:

"On a huge plaque in the stairwell of the Trades Hall building in Victoria Street are the names of the Pioneers of the 8 Hour Day in Melbourne: Welshmen James Stephens and Scotsman James Galloway. Also listed are the founders of the movement, including my g-g-grandfather Freeman Manuel, born in Flintshire, Wales.

Freeman's family came under the patronage of Augusta Hall, known as Lady Llandover, of Monmouthshire, Wales. Lady Llandover is celebrated as a promotor of the Welsh language, literature, the triple-harp and Welsh costume. Freeman's brothers were known as the "Child Prodigies of Llandover".

Emigrants from Wales brought their own unique skills and background to a new life in Australia."

As part of his talk, David will seek your assistance to attempt to tie some of these loose ends together.

When: 15 May 2025 10:30am
Where: Zoom
Who: Ken McInnes, speaker
How: GSV members can register to attend at www.gsv.org.au/events

The Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation EOAS is a register of the people, industries, corporations, research institutions, scientific societies, awards, major events and organisations that have contributed to Australia's scientific, technological, engineering and medical heritage. Each entry has references to related archival materials, museum objects and collections, and to bibliographic resources, including historical and current literature.

Exploring the Encyclopedia, you can discover the role people and organisations have played in transforming science into processes, objects, buildings, and products that have influenced our lives and have contributed to the development of our nation. You can find out about where these people worked, who they worked with, what they worked on and what they achieved.

The Encyclopedia currently includes about 95% of the key people and organisations involved in science since colonisation. It is open-ended, it is continuously evolving as new information is added and gaps are filled, and it is published online as a revised consolidated edition on a quarterly basis.

This presentation will explain how the Encyclopedia has evolved since 1985; how it can provide a context for family history research; how 'behind-the-scenes' indexing and digitisation is helping our research; how family history research skills and knowledge have helped refine and expand the Encyclopedia; and how you can use it and help improve it.

The speaker:

Ken McInnes has been researching family history and engineering history and heritage for five decades and has served on many related statutory, professional and community organisations including: VicGUM; Historic Buildings Council of Victoria; Engineering Heritage Victoria (past chair); Engineering Heritage Australia (past chair); and National Trust Bridges Committees.

His professional career as a civil, environmental and computer software engineer included senior roles in major consulting engineering practices, state Public Works Agencies, and at University convening and lecturing subjects on internet and web technologies. Now retired, he is an Adjunct Research Fellow, at Swinburne University of Technology, focussed on researching and adding biographies of engineers, their related organisations and works into the “Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation”.