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• WEBINAR SERIES: Introduction to Visual Phasing & Visual Phasing in Action

  • Start
    05 November 2025
  •  
  • End
    12 November 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    467

  Register

  

  If you’ve started working with segments and chromosome painting, the next step is visual phasing, this is a powerful technique that lets you reconstruct which segments of DNA were inherited from each of your four grandparents.

  This two-part series builds on the concepts covered in the August sessions but is also suitable for anyone with experience using shared segment data and chromosome browsers.
  

  In the first session, Donna Rutherford will introduce the key principles of visual phasing, including the data you need, the role of recombination, and how to get started using sibling DNA. You’ll explore a range of tools now available to assist with visual phasing—or learn how to go back to basics and phase chromosomes manually using spreadsheets and segment data.

  In the second session, you’ll see visual phasing in action through practical case studies and examples, demonstrating how it can clarify family lines, confirm relationships, and provide deeper insight into DNA inheritance.

  Ideal for confident DNA users who are ready to deepen their understanding of inheritance patterns and segment-level analysis. Each session includes a handout and will be recorded for later viewing.

  Presenter: Donna Rutherford

  Presenter Bio

  Donna Rutherford is a genetic genealogist and experienced international speaker based in London.

  Originally from New Zealand, she has worked with hundreds of clients to solve unknown parentage and break down brick walls using DNA evidence. Donna runs the popular Facebook group DNA Help for Genealogy (UK) and regularly writes for genealogy magazines, including Family Tree and Irish Roots. Her talks are known for being clear, engaging, and packed with practical tips.

  
  

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• WEBINAR: First Look @ Ancestry Pro Tools

  • When
    23 November 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    8

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  Exploring Ancestry Pro Tools

  Join us for a 1.5-hour introductory tour of Ancestry’s Pro Tools and discover how they can enhance your research. We’ll place particular emphasis on the powerful DNA features — Enhanced Shared Matches and Matches by Cluster — while also introducing the full suite of tools such as Tree Checker, Mapper, Insights, Smart Filters, and Networks. Live demonstrations will show you how to uncover new connections, identify patterns, and build a more complete, better-organised Ancestry tree.

  Who it’s for

  Ideal for Ancestry members with a subscription who want to explore the Pro Tools DNA features and get more from their online tree. Whether you’re new to advanced DNA analysis or simply curious about the mapping, filtering, and reporting tools, this introductory session will give you the confidence and practical skills to start using Pro Tools.

  After the session, participants will also gain access to a supporting blog post and a 45-minute pre-recorded webinar, both designed to reinforce the content covered.
  

  This session is limited to 40 participants to allow for interaction and support.

  Skill level: Intermediate

  Presenter: Christine Woodlands assisted by Vicki Hails & Kathryn Barrett

   

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• WEBINAR: First Look at AncestryDNA

  • When
    29 November 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    21

  Register

  

  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

   

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• GROUP: DNA Research Group (AM) - Tools in Practice

  • When
    06 December 2025
  •  
    10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    462

  Register

  

  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

  
  

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• GROUP: DNA Research Discussion Group (PM) - Brick Wall Analysis - MEMBERS ONLY

  • When
    06 December 2025
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
  • Location
    Via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    486

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  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 will be a ‘Brick Wall' Analysis Discussion.  Our group of experienced researchers will discuss  2-3 member case studies and provide advice on possible next steps. 

  Are you a SAG member?  Do you have a brick wall in your pedigree that you want to solve through DNA analysis?  Our Advanced DNA Research Group would love to help.  We are looking for member volunteers who would like to discuss their DNA research.  To participate, you will need to prepare a one page overview of your pedigree and any genetic groups you have identified so far, then tell us about it in no longer than 5 minutes.  

  Those wishing to present their case will need to provide their one page summary to the Group Leads ideally 1-2 weeks prior to the meeting via admin@sag.com.au.  See our Brick Wall Discussion Template v3 SAG_DNA_RG.pdf for more information.  Volunteers will receive a short dot point summary of ‘key next steps’ after the meeting. 

  Please note: The topics and tools discussed at this group are pitched at an advanced level and the DNA Research Discussion Group meetings are not recommended for those just beginning their DNA journey.

  Facilitator: Sharon Watson

  Group Leads: Veronica Williams, Danielle Lautrec & Christine Woodlands

  
  

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