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RESEARCH & SOFTWARE GROUPS


Anyone can attend our research and software groups, but members enjoy a discounted price. You do not need to 'join' a group - you just book for their meetings when you want to attend. All our group meetings are currently virtual using the Zoom platform. Pre-registration is essential in order to receive the link to log into a meeting. If paying online via PayPal, registration is available up until the time the meeting commences.

To find out when the groups are meeting next, see the Events Calendar or scroll to the bottom of this page. 


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AI & IT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

     The AI & IT Special Interest Group meets bi-monthly .

     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

The Aotearoa New Zealand Research Group meets twice a year to assist members who are tracing their New Zealand ancestry. The convenor is Pauline Weeks and she can be contacted here


The Caribbean Research Group is for people researching family history with a connection to the Caribbean. A list of places within the Caribbean is available on the FamilySearch wiki.

CHINESE AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH GROUP

Information about this group will be updated soon.
The Colonial Australia Research Group meets to discuss research on families arriving in any part of Australia between 1788 and 1901. All are welcome to attend our meetings.

This group meets 4 times per year.


The first SAG DNA Research Group was established in 2015 to assist Society members to increase their knowledge of DNA research. Since that time it has covered a variety of topics that set the foundation skills for group members. The Society has developed a range of activities aimed at the wide spectrum of needs, from those just wanting to know what DNA is all about, to the advanced user. We now have two DNA Research Groups – Tools in practice for the intermediate level researcher and Research Discussion Group for those using advanced genetic genealogy techniques.

The English Research Group is an opportunity to meet with others who have ancestors from any of England's many counties, or just have a research interest in England. Discuss research strategies and resources, and swap ideas and knowledge.

This group is suitable for beginners through to those with many years researching experience. The research group meets about 3-4 times a year. You can become a member of the group just by attending our meetings. Newcomers are always welcome!

The group is co-ordinated by Linda, Annesley and Diana. You can submit a question to the group in advance of a meeting by clicking here

The FTM User Group meets to support those who use Family Tree Maker software to organise their genealogical research. The program was owned by Ancestry.com until March 2016 when it was taken over by Software MacKiev. The group is facilitated by volunteers who are willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Everyone is welcome, whether you are a potential, new or long term user of FTM software.

Our focus group supports members with two main initiatives.

1.      Meetings
These occur four times a year. Currently, these meetings are scheduled in February, May, August and November. These interactive meetings consist of presentations on techniques, tips, hints and experiences in using the many and varied features of the program. These are discussion-led sessions and there is plenty of time dedicated to questions and answers (Q&A).  The focus is on the current version of the software. However, users of older versions are welcomed and encouraged. Every effort is made to answer questions within the context of the version to which the query relates.

2.      Online discussion board
Access by invitation only (for security and privacy), members can post questions, seek answers, make suggestions and obtain support.  Fellow members can offer answers and suggestions based on their own experiences, or a member can simply read posts of others. Previous Q&As on various topics can be searched.

You can join by emailing your full name, SAG membership number and expiry date.

If you already have DNA chromosome analysis skills and are using the GDAT database tool to manage your DNA information, you might wish to join our new 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.


The Irish Research Group is an opportunity to meet with others who have ancestors from either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland (maybe you have both) or just have a research interest in an aspect of Irish records. Discuss research strategies and resources, swap ideas and knowledge.

This group is suitable for beginners through to those with many years researching experience. The research group meets about 3-4 times a year. You can become a member of the group by attending any of our meetings. Newcomers are always welcome!

The Legacy User Group is for people who use Legacy Family Tree software and wish to share their knowledge and experience with others. Everyone is welcome whether a new or long term user of this family history software program. Even if you are just considering using Legacy you are welcome to come along.

The focus of the group is to give support to members using Legacy to enter and store family research. At meetings there are presentations on techniques, tips, and hints. All members of the group are encouraged to contribute information which could help others. Time is dedicated to questions and discussion at  every meeting.

Regular meetings are scheduled and details can be found in the Events Calendar.

Reunion is a great genealogy program for Mac users that allows you to easily document and display information about your family. It features a navigable graphic Tree View in the form of an hourglass or ancestor chart, allowing you to navigate to everyone in your tree. It also has a variety of visually appealing, high quality charts and other useful reports, and an outstanding help manual.

The group coordinators Danny O’Neill and Dale Fogarty aim to work collaboratively with its members on how to best use all the features of Reunion and how to resolve any Reunion or Mac-related issues that you may have. We would love to receive any topic suggestions or questions in advance by clicking here  to send an email to the coordinators. Please include your SAG membership number and expiry date of your membership in the email subject line.

Coordinators

Danny O’Neill is with the Canberra family history group FHACT (aka HAGSOC) convening the Digital Asset Management group (DAMSIG) and Reunion and Macintosh Support User Group (RAMSUG). Main interests are in photography, scanning and book designing, and struggles to maintain a large garden. He is retired from careers as a photographer and film archivist, and enjoys helping people where he can. He looks forward to working with Dale and the team in restarting the Reunion group that includes Mac related support, but is not an expert.

Dale Fogarty is a long-time user of Mac and Reunion, who is open to exchanging information and ideas to support our mutual enthusiasm for quality family history research, combining traditional genealogy and DNA approaches, and using a range of tools to organise, analyse and report findings. Dale enjoys working collaboratively, helping and learning from others. Dale is also the convenor of the Irish Interest Group at the Qld Family History Society.

The Scottish Research Group is an opportunity to meet with others who have ancestors from any of Scotland's counties from the highlands and Islands all the way down to the border areas, or just have a research interest in Scotland. Discuss research strategies and resources, and swap ideas and knowledge.
This group is suitable for beginners through to those with many years researching experience. The research group meets about 3-4 times a year. You can become a member of the group just by attending our meetings. Newcomers are always welcome!

TmG  Software Group

The Master Genealogist (or TMG) software allows family historians to fully customise data, reports and charts to suit their own     requirements. It is very flexible and powerful, and can be used by professional genealogists and beginners alike.

Unfortunately development and developer support ceased in 2014, but the software and licences are still available for purchase through an agent. There is a very active Australasian user group known as TMG DOWN UNDER, supported by a large world-wide email network, and associated software to produce GEDCOM, eBooks and websites from TMG data.

The aim of TMG DOWN UNDER is to allow members to exchange information, ideas, and techniques for using TMG and related programs in their family history, through monthly on-line workshops using ZOOM. Group members have different levels of experience with TMG, from many years through to complete novices.

The group operates an email List where questions can be asked and answered, and events publicised.  See the group website here for full information.

The Writing Group formed late in 2013 and meets on a regular basis via Zoom, usually on the second Thursday morning of each month. Meetings consists of a presentation, show & tell, and an open forum for questions and comments.

This is a support/self-help group, not one for expert writers (although we do have a few published authors in our ranks). Our aim is to encourage members to exchange information, ideas, and techniques for writing their family and local histories.

In 2023 The Writing Group is excited to welcome Elizabeth and Emily as the new group leads, following the retirement of the previous lead, Lilian.

This group is new in 2023. The inaugural meeting was held on 18 February. Led by Thistle, Larry, Melissa and Suzanne come along and find out how to research your ancestors from the USA & Canada.

Image: Group of men at a party, SAG Manuscript and Image Collection, Item 5/10059


HERE IS A LIST OF THE NEXT GROUP MEETINGS:

Upcoming events

    • 12 March 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 436
    Register

    Please join us at the March meeting for three presentations by SAG members: 

    Rebels without a cause: the Telicherry Five in exile. Inspired by rebellion in the north in 1798, Michael Dwyer, a farmer from County Wicklow, led a group of rebels in Ireland’s south to hold out spectacularly against British forces until December 1803, when the arrest of their wives and families led them to surrender on terms. Terms that allowed Dwyer and his four fellow rebels, Hugh ‘Vestey’ Byrne, Martin Burke, Arthur Devlin and John Mernagh, to escape execution by going into permanent exile as free men. Arriving in Sydney aboard the Telicherry in 1806, they became known as the Telicherry Five. Considered by some to be the most dangerous men in the colony, they were free men with neighbouring land grants at Cabramatta and excess baggage to burn. So, what happened next? In this commemorative two-hundredth year since the death of her fourth great-grandfather, Michael Dwyer, Julie Coulton will shed light upon the individual fates of these five Irish political revolutionaries in Australian exile. 

    Ireland X0:  Victoria Mail will present on her experience with Ireland XO (Ireland Reaching Out), walking in the footsteps of her ancestors in Cashel, Tipperary.

    Elizabethan Fiants of Ireland: Chris Hingerty, lead of the SAG Genetic Genealogy Advisory Group and Member of the DNA Research Group, will take us through The Fiants of Elizabeth the First, an important administrative source for knowledge of both Gaelic and English communities in Ireland (1521-1603).

    Skill level: All

         Group Leads: Kathleen Hackett & Sally Skulte

    Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons


    • 13 March 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 182
    Register

    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


    Each session will be recorded so you can join live or watch the recording later.

    • 15 March 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Come along and join us as we research our Chinese Australian 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: Hilda Maclean


    Photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash

    • 22 March 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 47
    Register

    Genealogical DNA Analysis Tool (GDAT) User Group

    If you already have DNA chromosome analysis skills and are using the GDAT database tool to manage your DNA information, you might wish to join our new 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 on Saturdays at 11.00-13.00 using the Zoom platform.  We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

    Important things to note:

    1. Discussion will be focused on utilising the GDAT software for DNA analysis;
    2. Members must have an understanding of the principles of chromosome analysis before joining the group;
    3. Chromosome analysis questions WILL NOT be discussed, except in the context of using the GDAT product.

    Pre-requisite Knowledge for using GDAT:

    1. Be computer literate;
    2. Have the ability to work with spreadsheets and large data sets;
    3. Have been working with DNA results at GEDmatch, FamilyTree DNA, My Heritage, or 23andMe for over 12 months;
    4. 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) - https://sites.google.com/view/genealogical-dna-analysis-tool/home/video-tutorials#h.t5ehfiqzxea3

    * Read how the developer (Becky) approaches her DNA analysis, recognising the tool allows for multiple variations - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iO5BceetmtucroYUJeyWsMSjslV4IQYH/view

    * Set up at least one profile, 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

    https://www.getgdat.com/home

    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, or if the enquiry is more urgent utilise the Facebook GDAT User group https://www.facebook.com/groups/dnatool


    Skill level: Advanced DNA knowledge    

    Group Lead: Veronica Williams

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

    • 26 March 2025
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 465
    Register

    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 


    • 29 March 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 479
    Register

    Topic: Working with Artificial Intelligence for DNA Research

    This session will briefly outline the various AI Platforms that members are finding useful in increasing their productivity for their DNA research. Members of the DNA Research Group will demonstrate some routine activities they have been able to automate through the use of these tools. Any Member who has a tool they would like to demonstrate should contact the convenors at least 7-14 days prior the session. Following the session we aim to share these tools by creating a SAG library of custom GPT’s (ChatGPT) or artefacts (Claude) for use by society members. 

    The 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.

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec


    NOTE: We will confirm soon whether this session will be recorded or not

    • 29 March 2025
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 490
    Register

    Topic: What repetitive DNA tasks could be replaced by AI tools to help us increase our productivity?          

    Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    This session is a facilitated discussion session which seeks to identify a list of manual repetitive tasks members would find useful in improving their research productivity and ranking them in terms of priority. The session will also seek volunteers to work in small groups to progress the development of the identified tools with the view to adding them to the SAG shared library of AI DNA tools. Information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting, it requires pre-work by participants with all attendees expected to contribute to the discussion.

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


    • 05 April 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 495
    Register

    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

    • 05 April 2025
    • 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Topic: Tying the Knot: Tracing Marriage Records in New Zealand

    Where can you find marriage records in New Zealand and how can these help with your research? This session will focus on key sources such as Civil Registration, Church Records, Archives, including Intentions to Marry, and PapersPast along with other sources. We will also look at some of the wedding fashions of the 19th and 20th centuries.

    We would love attendees to contribute to this meeting by  sharing stories or showing any photographs, heirlooms or other ephemera they may own related to their ancestors weddings in New Zealand (remember to only show photographs of people who or no longer living or with the explicit permission of anyone who is still alive).

    If anyone has a marriage/wedding story or photographs they would like to share please email admin@sag.org.au. Please put 'April Aotearoa NZ Group meeting' in the subject line of the email so we can have advance notice of those with things to share.


    Skill level: All    

    Convenor: Pauline Weeks


    • 05 April 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 490
    Register

    Topic: Girt by Sea

    19 March 2025 marks 230 years since the wrecking of HMS Sirius off Norfolk Island.

    This event was a huge blow to the starving colony and underlined the critical importance of shipping to the colony’s survival. The colony struggled and survived but remained dependent on shipping.

    Shipping brought convicts and settlers, food and goods and included coastal passenger and river shipping, boat building - nothing was done without it.

    At our first meeting in 2025 we’re exploring this essential facet of colonial settlement. Come join us and hear about the land that is ‘girt by sea’.

    Skill level: All

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

    This is an online session using the Zoom platform.


    • 10 April 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 196
    Register

    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


    Each session will be recorded so you can join live or watch the recording later.

    • 08 May 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 196
    Register

    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


    Each session will be recorded so you can join live or watch the recording later.

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Offices/Archives - 120 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000 (Also our postal address)


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CONTACT US

+61 2 9299 5151 Library (during opening hours)

+61 2 9247 3953 Office            


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