Society of Australian Genealogists upcoming events

WEBINAR: FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results (12 September 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

This presentation was formerly known as 'Beginners' Introduction to DNA' and 'FirstLook@ Genetic Genealogy'.

Receiving your DNA test results is an exciting time but it can quickly become confusing.

This session will look at the different types of tests available, which one is right for you and which companies do these tests.

We will look at some basics to help you understand and interpret your matches and there will be plenty of time for questions so you can start finding those new cousins!

Want 1-on-1 help with your DNA Action Plan?

For an additional $10, you can book in a 20 minute, one-on-one session with one of our DNA volunteers where they will discuss your DNA research question with you and assist you to develop an action plan, focused on helping you solve your question.

Book 1-on-1 at 1.30pm

Book 1-on-1 at 2pm

Book 1-on-1 at 2.30pm

Your reservation code is located in your Event Confirmation email for FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results.

Skill level: Beginners

Presenter: Melissa Hulbert

Next Steps: One-on-One DNA Research Action Plan Session (12 September 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Need help deciding how to proceed with your DNA Research? Book a 20 minute, one-to-one session with one of our experienced volunteers to discuss your Action Plan.

Please note: You must be an attendee of the 'FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results' lecture on Saturday 12 September 2026 in order to book into a one-on-one session.

A reservation code will be included in the Event Confirmation email for the lecture.

On the day, you will need:

An explanation of your DNA research question; and
Any accompanying information such as a simple family tree or any DNA information relevant to your research question

The above can either be emailed to admin@sag.org.au in advance or can be shown to the volunteer during the session

What will we do in the session?

We will discuss your DNA research question with you and help you develop an action plan focused on helping you solve your question.
Takeaway action plan.

What we will not do:

We will not confirm relationships. Why? This is a complex process often including reaching out to your match, something we cannot do in these short planning sessions.
We will not ask you for access to your account nor do any work within your account.

To read more about FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results, click here

Next Steps: 1-on-1 DNA Research Action Plan Session (12 September 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Need help deciding how to proceed with your DNA Research? Book a 20 minute, one-to-one session with one of our experienced volunteers to discuss your Action Plan.

Please note: You must be an attendee of the FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results lecture on Saturday 12 September 2026 in order to book into a one-on-one session.

A reservation code will be included in the Event Confirmation email for the lecture.

On the day, you will need:

An explanation of your DNA research question; and
Any accompanying information such as a simple family tree or any DNA information relevant to your research question

The above can either be emailed to admin@sag.org.au in advance or can be shown to the volunteer during the session

What will we do in the session?

We will discuss your DNA research question with you and help you develop an action plan focused on helping you solve your question.
Takeaway action plan.

What we will not do:

We will not confirm relationships. Why? This is a complex process often including reaching out to your match, something we cannot do in these short planning sessions.
We will not ask you for access to your account nor do any work within your account.

To read more about FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results, click here

Next Steps: 1-on-1 DNA Research Action Plan Session (12 September 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:30:00 GMT

Need help deciding how to proceed with your DNA Research? Book a 20 minute, one-to-one session with one of our experienced volunteers to discuss your Action Plan.

Please note: You must be an attendee of the FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results lecture on Saturday 12 September 2026 in order to book into a one-on-one session.

A reservation code will be included in the Event Confirmation email for the lecture.

On the day, you will need:

An explanation of your DNA research question; and
Any accompanying information such as a simple family tree or any DNA information relevant to your research question

The above can either be emailed to admin@sag.org.au in advance or can be shown to the volunteer during the session

What will we do in the session?

We will discuss your DNA research question with you and help you develop an action plan focused on helping you solve your question.
Takeaway action plan.

What we will not do:

We will not confirm relationships. Why? This is a complex process often including reaching out to your match, something we cannot do in these short planning sessions.
We will not ask you for access to your account nor do any work within your account.

To read more about FirstLook@ DNA Testing & Results, click here

COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History - Level 1 (14 September 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Digital Skills for Family History - Part 1

In this hands-on course, you'll learn to:

Set Up Your Computer for Research: Learn how to organise your digital workspace for efficient and effective genealogical research.

Access Key Repositories and Record Sets: Discover where to find vital records and how to remotely access many of these resources.

Search Indexes Effectively: Master the art of navigating indexes to uncover the hidden details of your ancestors' lives.

Employ a Variety of Software: Gain skills in a variety of software packages, many of which you already have access to, in order to organise and manage your findings.

Using a case study approach, each session will demonstrate key skills in real-time, ensuring you gain practical experience. Our expert instructor will guide you through the process, providing ample time to address your own questions and work through any trouble spots.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the foundational digital skills needed to conduct thorough and organised family history research. The course is aimed at foundation level, for those starting their research or those who perhaps feel overwhelmed with the amount of information available.

Presenter: Andrew Redfern

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History - Level 1 (21 September 2026)

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Digital Skills for Family History - Part 1

In this hands-on course, you'll learn to:

Set Up Your Computer for Research: Learn how to organise your digital workspace for efficient and effective genealogical research.

Access Key Repositories and Record Sets: Discover where to find vital records and how to remotely access many of these resources.

Search Indexes Effectively: Master the art of navigating indexes to uncover the hidden details of your ancestors' lives.

Employ a Variety of Software: Gain skills in a variety of software packages, many of which you already have access to, in order to organise and manage your findings.

Presenter: Andrew Redfern

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (22 September 2026)

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Seven Part Online Course

Would you like to investigate your family history but have no idea where to start or have you previously signed up to an online platform but felt overwhelmed by all the information available?

The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to again offer our seven part online course “Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History.”

Over the course of seven sessions (two hours per session) you will learn about:

Key tools - family history software platforms, file organisation, research plans
Traditional records (document based) research – types of records, locating records
Electronic databases – Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast and more
Using maps in family history research
Other resources such as Family History Societies, online forums and education options
Introduction to DNA research including legal and ethical considerations
Various ways to chart, share and publish your findings, including privacy and copyright concerns

While the course will focus on records available in Australia, North America, the United Kingdom and Ireland we will also touch on locating records in other countries and the skills you will learn can be applied to researching ancestors from anywhere in the world.

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History - Level 2 (25 September 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Digital Skills for Family History - Level 2

Three Part Online Course

Have you completed the foundation course and are ready to grow your confidence using digital tools for family history?

This three-part follow-up course builds on the skills introduced in Part 1, offering new techniques and practical activities to help you organise, analyse, and present your research more effectively.

In this hands-on course, you’ll explore:

Working Across Key Software: Build your digital fluency by creating and formatting tables in word processors, charts in presentation software, and structured data in spreadsheets.

Visualising Your Research: Learn to construct simple timelines, and design ancestor profiles to bring your stories to life.

Handling Digital Files with Confidence: Improve your skills in basic image editing and identifying how to keep your data safe with backup strategies.

As in Part 1, each session uses real-time demonstrations and practical examples, with opportunities to complete guided activities during the workshop. You’ll also receive a companion workbook filled with exercises, tips, and reference material.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how to manage, enhance, and share your family history using everyday digital tools.

Prerequisites

This course is ideal for those who have completed Level 1 or who already have a basic level of digital literacy.

Presenter: Andrew Redfern

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History - Level 1 (28 September 2026)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Digital Skills for Family History - Part 1

In this hands-on course, you'll learn to:

Set Up Your Computer for Research: Learn how to organise your digital workspace for efficient and effective genealogical research.

Access Key Repositories and Record Sets: Discover where to find vital records and how to remotely access many of these resources.

Search Indexes Effectively: Master the art of navigating indexes to uncover the hidden details of your ancestors' lives.

Employ a Variety of Software: Gain skills in a variety of software packages, many of which you already have access to, in order to organise and manage your findings.

Presenter: Andrew Redfern

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (29 September 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Seven Part Online Course

Would you like to investigate your family history but have no idea where to start or have you previously signed up to an online platform but felt overwhelmed by all the information available?

The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to again offer our seven part online course “Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History.”

Over the course of seven sessions (two hours per session) you will learn about:

Key tools - family history software platforms, file organisation, research plans
Traditional records (document based) research – types of records, locating records
Electronic databases – Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast and more
Using maps in family history research
Other resources such as Family History Societies, online forums and education options
Introduction to DNA research including legal and ethical considerations
Various ways to chart, share and publish your findings, including privacy and copyright concerns

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History - Level 2 (02 October 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Digital Skills for Family History - Level 2

Three Part Online Course

Have you completed the foundation course and are ready to grow your confidence using digital tools for family history?

This three-part follow-up course builds on the skills introduced in Part 1, offering new techniques and practical activities to help you organise, analyse, and present your research more effectively.

In this hands-on course, you’ll explore:

Working Across Key Software: Build your digital fluency by creating and formatting tables in word processors, charts in presentation software, and structured data in spreadsheets.

Visualising Your Research: Learn to construct simple timelines, and design ancestor profiles to bring your stories to life.

Handling Digital Files with Confidence: Improve your skills in basic image editing and identifying how to keep your data safe with backup strategies.

Prerequisites

This course is ideal for those who have completed Level 1 or who already have a basic level of digital literacy.

Presenter: Andrew Redfern

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (06 October 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Seven Part Online Course

Would you like to investigate your family history but have no idea where to start or have you previously signed up to an online platform but felt overwhelmed by all the information available?

The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to again offer our seven part online course “Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History.”

Over the course of seven sessions (two hours per session) you will learn about:

Key tools - family history software platforms, file organisation, research plans
Traditional records (document based) research – types of records, locating records
Electronic databases – Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast and more
Using maps in family history research
Other resources such as Family History Societies, online forums and education options
Introduction to DNA research including legal and ethical considerations
Various ways to chart, share and publish your findings, including privacy and copyright concerns

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Digital Skills for Family History - Level 2 (09 October 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Digital Skills for Family History - Level 2

Three Part Online Course

Have you completed the foundation course and are ready to grow your confidence using digital tools for family history?

This three-part follow-up course builds on the skills introduced in Part 1, offering new techniques and practical activities to help you organise, analyse, and present your research more effectively.

In this hands-on course, you’ll explore:

Working Across Key Software: Build your digital fluency by creating and formatting tables in word processors, charts in presentation software, and structured data in spreadsheets.

Visualising Your Research: Learn to construct simple timelines, and design ancestor profiles to bring your stories to life.

Handling Digital Files with Confidence: Improve your skills in basic image editing and identifying how to keep your data safe with backup strategies.

Prerequisites

This course is ideal for those who have completed Level 1 or who already have a basic level of digital literacy.

Presenter: Andrew Redfern

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (13 October 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Seven Part Online Course

Would you like to investigate your family history but have no idea where to start or have you previously signed up to an online platform but felt overwhelmed by all the information available?

The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to again offer our seven part online course “Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History.”

Over the course of seven sessions (two hours per session) you will learn about:

Key tools - family history software platforms, file organisation, research plans
Traditional records (document based) research – types of records, locating records
Electronic databases – Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast and more
Using maps in family history research
Other resources such as Family History Societies, online forums and education options
Introduction to DNA research including legal and ethical considerations
Various ways to chart, share and publish your findings, including privacy and copyright concerns

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

WEBINAR: FirstLook@ AncestryDNA (25 October 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Registration includes access to 3 hours of pre-recorded lectures + a 2.5 hour live online session.

This practical session is designed for those who are just beginning to explore their AncestryDNA test results. We’ll walk through what you can access without an Ancestry subscription, then delve into the additional tools and features available to subscribers.

Christine will share her personal tips and strategies for making the most of your results. The session includes demonstrations and real-life case studies, with plenty of time set aside for questions and discussion.

Participants will also receive reference materials after the session, along with access to two pre-recorded one-hour webinars that reinforce the content covered.

To get the most out of the session, it helps to have a basic understanding of the different types of DNA tests and their uses. After registering, you’ll receive a link to a one-hour pre-recorded webinar introducing these concepts.

This session is limited to 25 participants to allow for interaction and support.

Skill level: Beginner

Presenter: Christine Woodlands

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (27 October 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Seven Part Online Course

Would you like to investigate your family history but have no idea where to start or have you previously signed up to an online platform but felt overwhelmed by all the information available?

The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to again offer our seven part online course “Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History.”

Over the course of seven sessions (two hours per session) you will learn about:

Key tools - family history software platforms, file organisation, research plans
Traditional records (document based) research – types of records, locating records
Electronic databases – Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast and more
Using maps in family history research
Other resources such as Family History Societies, online forums and education options
Introduction to DNA research including legal and ethical considerations
Various ways to chart, share and publish your findings, including privacy and copyright concerns

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (03 November 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Seven Part Online Course

Would you like to investigate your family history but have no idea where to start or have you previously signed up to an online platform but felt overwhelmed by all the information available?

The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to again offer our seven part online course “Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History.”

Over the course of seven sessions (two hours per session) you will learn about:

Key tools - family history software platforms, file organisation, research plans
Traditional records (document based) research – types of records, locating records
Electronic databases – Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast and more
Using maps in family history research
Other resources such as Family History Societies, online forums and education options
Introduction to DNA research including legal and ethical considerations
Various ways to chart, share and publish your findings, including privacy and copyright concerns

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here

COURSE: Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History (10 November 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Seven Part Online Course

Would you like to investigate your family history but have no idea where to start or have you previously signed up to an online platform but felt overwhelmed by all the information available?

The Society of Australian Genealogists, Australia’s oldest family history society, is excited to again offer our seven part online course “Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History.”

Over the course of seven sessions (two hours per session) you will learn about:

Key tools - family history software platforms, file organisation, research plans
Traditional records (document based) research – types of records, locating records
Electronic databases – Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, Findmypast and more
Using maps in family history research
Other resources such as Family History Societies, online forums and education options
Introduction to DNA research including legal and ethical considerations
Various ways to chart, share and publish your findings, including privacy and copyright concerns

Lead Presenter: Vanessa Cassin, SAG Education Manager

Skill Level: Beginner

To read SAG's Refund Policy for event registrations, please click here