Society of Australian Genealogists upcoming events

GROUP: AI & IT Special Interest Group (30 September 2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Are you wanting to learn about some of the latest technology tools and AI approaches for Family History? Wanting some tips and tricks for using different software? Join our bi-monthly AI & IT Special Interest Group Meetings.

Each session is made of a combination of these different segments (in order to try and encourage participation and sharing). These sessions are designed to be member driven so if you have something to share or a topic to be covered, please put it forward. Any content e.g. AI, software, hardware, tools etc. can be slotted into these broad categories.

Latest Updates - Developments in AI, software and hardware
News and Views - Opinions, discussion points, recommended software/hardware
Quick Tips - 3 minutes or less
Show & Tell - like at school - share something you've done with AI or Tech
In Depth Focus - longer demonstration of tools, software
Helpdesk - problems and support, suggestions

Skill level: All

Group Leads: Andrew Redfern, Yvonne Masters, Sandy Pullen and Maureen Trotter

GROUP: Source Citations Group (03 October 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Topic: TBC

About the Source Citations Group

The Source Citations Group is for anyone who wants to learn how to generate citations to meet basic research needs and how to generate citations to meet standards for Diploma's and certificates for Family Historians.

The format is a two-hour practical workshop session with plenty of time for questions. Discuss the format of source citations, learn how to create them in family history software, online trees and publications or reports.

This group is suitable for beginners through to those with many years researching experience. The group meets every two months. You can become a member of the group just by attending our meetings.

Attend all six workshops, or just the ones that suit you!

Skill level: All

Group Leads: Danielle Lautrec & Lyn Hudson-Williamson

GROUP: The Writing Group (08 October 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Topic: Flash Stories

Next meeting we return to the very short form stories we regularly share in the group (flash stories).

If you can join us, and don't have a piece waiting in the wings for the next opportunity to share, please get writing now so we have many to share in the meeting.

A few themes have been suggested, so pick whichever fires your imagination. You can post it into a relevant folder in Basecamp or just bring along to read next meeting.

The general rule: 200-300 words, paint a scene with words, featuring something/someone of significance to you, eg:

· an ancestor of doing something in a place and time your words help us see and understand

· an object with significance to your family - something you inherited and/or you want to pass on. Tell its story – what is it, how did you get it, what does it mean to you… if you are going to gift it one day, what would you want the receiver to know about it?

· something that was part of your generation but that young people today don’t use or even know existed… an object that no-one uses anymore and that a child today may not have even seen before: an old-style phone, a picture rail, even a bar of soap

· a house you lived in, live in now, or visited a lot… what’s interesting about it, does it have an interesting history? How does it make you feel? What do you want the next owner to know about it?

· an occupation that no longer exists (or unexpectedly does still exist!)

We’ll also discuss the value of writing and sharing shorter pieces.

For those joining The Writing Group for the first time and who wish to join Basecamp, please contact SAG at: admin@sag.org.au

About The Writing Group:

Are you interested in writing about your family history but need a bit more motivation or encouragement?

Come along to The Writing Group and work on your writing skills in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The group meets via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month and has a varied program of activities and speakers designed to help you progress your project/s - whatever style of writing you are interested in!

In addition to the group meetings, there is an optional forum utilising the Basecamp website where group attendees can discuss writing projects and share ideas between meetings.

Come and join us, new attendees are always welcome.

Skill Level: All

Group Leads: Elizabeth Capelin & Emily Purser

GROUP: Caribbean and South American Research Group (14 October 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Guest Speakers: Daniel Horowitz (MyHeritage)

In this session, you’ll learn everything you need to know about researching Jewish ancestors who lived in Latin America. Discover the resources available in both English and Spanish, learn to contact communities that can help, and receive a quick introduction to Spanish keywords and helpful translation tools.

About the Guest Speaker

Dedicated to Genealogy since 1986, Daniel was the teacher and the study guide editor of the family history project "Searching for My Roots" in Venezuela for 15 years. He is involved in several crowdsource digitization and transcription projects, and holds a board-level position at The Israel Genealogy Research Association (IGRA). Since 2006 Daniel has been working at MyHeritage liaising with genealogy societies, bloggers, and media, as well as lecturing, and attending conferences around the world.

Discover the rich and diverse stories of the Caribbean and South America at our upcoming 'Caribbean & South American Research Group' meeting. This friendly and informative session is designed for anyone researching ancestors from the region, whether your connections are recent or reach back several generations.

Join fellow family historians to explore useful records, share research experiences, and gain practical tips to help you overcome common challenges and make new discoveries.

Everyone is welcome to attend and, as SAG Research Groups are collaborative, we ask that all attendees please help their fellow researchers by offering suggestions of how to progress their research or simply share any resources you may be aware of which may help.

Group Leads: Sally Byatt & Judy Charlton

Skill level: All

GROUP: Aotearoa New Zealand Research Group (31 October 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Topic: Researching the Wellington District

More information to follow.

Skill level: All

Group Lead: Pauline Weeks

GROUP: Scottish Research Group (07 November 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Topic = TBC

Come along and join us as we research our Scottish ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research.

Skill level: All - Beginners welcome

Leads: Diana Pecar, Elizabeth Gordon and Sally Skulte

GROUP: Colonial Australia Research Group (07 November 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Come along and join us as we research our colonial ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research.

Skill level: All

Group Leads: Lorraine Luks, Kristine Newton, Sharon Shelley and Andrew Redfern

This is an online session using the Zoom platform.

GROUP: The Writing Group (12 November 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Guest Speakers: Clare Spicer & Jill Tretheway (co-authors of "The Women of Bridgwater")

Clare Spicer and Jill Trethewey have co-authored “The Women of Bridgwater” which has just been published in the UK. Jill is a member of the SAG Writing Group and will share her experience researching and writing the biographies. Volunteering remotely is a 21st century challenge but collaborating with her cousin Clare and their volunteer editors in the UK has been very worthwhile.

“The Women of Bridgwater” uncovers the town’s history from the 1760’s to the end of the Second World War through the lives of 65 women and girls buried in the historic Wembdon Road Cemetery. Their stories span every walk of life: from workhouse inmates and brickyard labourers to teachers, shopkeepers, suffragettes, midwives, entertainers and pioneering social reformers.

Many of the issues explored, such as life in the workhouse, how the different religions regarded women, infant mortality, domestic violence, the vulnerability of women servants and emerging careers are relevant to other parts of England, not just Somerset. Since many of our ancestors came from England, the book gives an insight into the attitudes and expectations that they may have either brought with them or were escaping. The book is published by The Friends of the Wembdon Road Cemetery, in Bridgwater, Somerset.

For those joining The Writing Group for the first time and who wish to join Basecamp, please contact SAG at: admin@sag.org.au

About The Writing Group:

Are you interested in writing about your family history but need a bit more motivation or encouragement?

In addition to the group meetings, there is an optional forum utilising the Basecamp website where group attendees can discuss writing projects and share ideas between meetings.

Come and join us, new attendees are always welcome.

Skill Level: All

Group Leads: Elizabeth Capelin & Emily Purser

GROUP: Legacy Software Users Group (14 November 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Topic: TBD

Our Legacy Group sessions are suitable for beginners and also experienced users. If you have been using Legacy for a while, bring along your tips to share with others in the group. This session will be recorded, so you can attend live or watch the recording later. Copies of the slides will also be provided.

Skill level: All

Convenor: Danielle Lautrec

GROUP: Family Tree Maker User Group (14 November 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Join other users of this popular family history software program for insights, ideas and opportunities to share tips and ask questions.

Bring your questions about using FTM and join Convenor Larry Czarnik and other group members as they lead you through the session.

Each session includes time for questions and answers.

Topics to be confirmed in due course

Attendees can register up until the start of the meeting.

Convenor: Larry Czarnik

Skill level: All - Beginners welcome

GROUP: GDAT Chromosome Analysis Group (21 November 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

If you already have DNA chromosome analysis skills and are planning to use the GDAT database tool to manage your DNA information, you might wish to join our GDAT chromosome analysis user group. SAG user groups are aimed at ‘members helping members’ so this is a collaborative working group aimed at sharing information and knowledge. You must be a SAG member to join this group.

Sessions will include a short presentation on a specified topic identified by the group, followed by discussion between group members, then round table Q&A regarding the product. We will meet 3-4 times a year on Saturday mornings using the Zoom platform. We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

Important things to note:

Discussion will be focussed on utilising the GDAT software for DNA analysis, incorporating new chromosome analysis techniques and tools.
Members must have an understanding of the principles of chromosome analysis before joining the group;
Basic chromosome analysis questions WILL NOT be discussed, except in the context of using the GDAT product.

Pre-requisite Knowledge for using GDAT:

Be computer literate;
Have the ability to work with spreadsheets and large data sets;
Have been working with DNA results at chromosome sites such as GEDmatch, FamilyTree DNA and My Heritage ideally for over 12 months;
Understand the concepts of chromosome analysis and can apply them in practice, in particular:
1. Be able to differentiate between shared matches and shared segments;
2. Be able to interpret when matches are ICW on a segment;
3. Understand triangulation concepts and how to identify Triangulated Groups at each DNA site.

Before joining our user group, it is best if you have already:

* Watched the video and undertaken all the tasks in the Quick Start Guide - Setting up;

* Read how the developer (Becky) approaches her DNA analysis, recognising the tool allows for multiple variations - Becky's Process;

* Set up at least one profile, including having added a pedigree for that profile and have uploaded segment data from at least one DNA company, such as GEDmatch, FTDNA, 23&Me or My Heritage. GEDmatch is probably the easiest to start with, utilising Tier 1 tools is recommended for the triangulation report (but not essential).

Any issues arising consult the user guide. If it's not covered in the user guide, submit the question for discussion at the next meeting by posting in the SAG GDAT User Group on Facebook. If the enquiry is more urgent, utilise the ‘Official’ GDAT Facebook User Group.

Skill level: Advanced DNA knowledge

Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Gail Bryant

This session will not be recorded. Please only register if you are able to attend at the advertised time.

GROUP: USA and Canada Research Interest Group (28 November 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Do you have ancestors in Canada or the USA? Come and join us as we research our ancestors in this collaborative and friendly research group.

Blurb TBC

There will also be time to discuss research problems so bring your brick walls and questions with you!

Skill level: All, beginners welcome

Leads: Suzanne Hyde & Melissa Hulbert

GROUP: English Research Group (05 December 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Topic: TBC

Come along and join us as we research our English ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research.

Convenors: Diana Pecar, Linda Radulovitch and Annesley Watson

Skill Level: All

GROUP: DNA Research Group (AM) - Tools in Practice (05 December 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

DNA Research Group - Tools in Practice is a collaborative group designed to assist researchers with the analysis and interpretation of genetic genealogy results. The group is designed to meet the needs of attendees with an intermediate level of knowledge of genetic genealogy.

Tools in Practice sessions help members consolidate what they have learnt from recent DNA events when applying new tools and techniques in their research. Come along and share your experience with others, what you learned and tips for others getting started. Our more experienced members can also provide help if you need it.

If you have a specific topic you would like on the agenda or a DNA Story you would like to share, please contact the group leads at least one week before the session via admin@sag.com.au

Group Leads: Veronica Williams, Danielle Lautrec & Christine Woodlands

GROUP: DNA Research Discussion Group (PM) (05 December 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 02:30:00 GMT

DNA Research Group - Our Discussion Group is targeted at our more experienced DNA group members. The group is committed to providing leadership on DNA Practice in the society and keen to work with others to increased their shared understanding of the exciting field of genetic genealogy. Attendees are required to undertake pre-work for the discussion, distributed prior to each meeting.

Throughout the year group meetings will include:

Peer Review, via member case studies including analysis of documented evidence;

Brick Wall Analysis, via member case studies - ideas for future research;

Year in Review, plus scoping for future events;

Development of process documents to assist members with their research.

December's Meeting

Our December meeting topic: Brick Wall Case Studies

Please note: The topics and tools discussed at this group are aimed at our more experienced DNA researchers. We do not recommend the Discussion Group for those just beginning their DNA journey.

Facilitator: Sharon Watson

Group Leads: Veronica Williams, Danielle Lautrec & Christine Woodlands

GROUP: Irish Research Group (10 December 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 08:00:00 GMT

County Spotlight - County Kerry with Bronwyn

Guest presenter: Alan Jones will provide an update on major changes to a range of Irish family history repositories

If anyone has a contribution that they would like Sally to share for snippets, please contact Sally or Kathleen via admin@sag.org.au.

Come along and join us as we research our Irish ancestors in a collaborative, friendly and engaging research group. Make sure you have your questions ready and also be ready to assist others if you are able to as this is the basis of what all SAG Groups are about - people helping other people with ideas and suggestions about their family research.

Skill level: All

Group Leads: Kathleen Hackett, Sally Skulte & Bronwyn MacLeod