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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. 



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

The Chinese-Australian Research Group is not only for people with Chinese ancestry but anyone with an interest in learning about Chinese lives in Australia. Meetings will feature  guest speakers and practical research advice on using records, websites and DNA.



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.

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.

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

    • 05 July 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 487
    Register

    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. 

    This meeting, our focused presentations will be on Nova Scotia and Pennsylvania. Suzanne is presenting an update on her Quebec brick wall and Mel is presenting an introduction to researching in the USA.

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

    This session will be held online via Zoom

    Skill level:  All, beginners welcome

    Leads: Suzanne Hyde & Melissa Hulbert


    • 10 July 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 183
    Register

    Writing very Short Stories or Scenes - a Practical Strategy to get our Writing going.

    Flash stories are very short (250-300 words). They are good practice exercises that we like to do regularly in The Writing Group, in order to focus, get something written and get some feedback from our supportive and always interested audience. The topic can be anything really, we have several to share, the idea is simply to prompt some writing that you can then use in a longer piece, whether factual or fictional. 

    Your short piece might be focused on an event or place in an ancestor's life, on a memory from your own life, or a scene in the lives of ancestors that you are imagining to fill some gaps in the historical record. All these scenarios arise for most of us as we explore family histories and wonder how to turn the research into interesting writing. The point about writing short pieces is the discipline of a tight limit in time and word count - it forces us to make every word count, it produces something to share and it's fun !

    So go ahead and write a short short story to share with the group at our July meeting. 

    If you're already on Basecamp, you can share it there, or just read it to us at the meeting. We'll discuss both what is brought to the meeting and what is shared on Basecamp. (If you're not on Basecamp and would like to use the forum, please just email admin@sag.org.au and ask to be added to The Writing Group's page).

    Topics so far have included: early childhood memories, scandalous family stories, events and memories related to war service, family stories to captivate children, history of a house or place of significance in your family...

    We are putting together a booklet of the short pieces by those who wish to contribute to that too, which we'll review and discuss at the meeting.

    We look forward to hearing or reading what you have written. 

    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

    • 24 July 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 459
    Register

    County Presentation: An overview of Dumfries-shire – Sally Skulte

    Guest Speaker - Irene O’Brien, City Archivist for Glasgow

    Irene will talk about Family History at the Mitchell with particular emphasis on the City Archives, which has archives for Glasgow, West of Scotland and beyond. She will also highlight the Registrars, Health Board, and Special Collections.

    Guest Speaker - Gemma Beswick, Library Services Manager at SAG

    Gemma will talk to us about Scottish research materials in both the Library and Archives collections. She will also demonstrate tips on navigating both online catalogues to uncover your sources more efficiently. This session will provide a helpful overview of the resources available and how to make the most of the library’s resources for your Scottish genealogical research.

    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

    • 30 July 2025
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 467
    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

     

    • 02 August 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Topic: Media and charting

    How and where to add media, such as images and documents. Media storage and management. Using media in charts and reports. Charting tips and customising.

    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.

    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    Skill level: All     Convenor:  Danielle Lautrec

    • 09 August 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 485
    Register

    Family Tree Maker User Group

    Saturday 9 August 2025 (10.30am to 3.30pm)

    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.

    Skill level: All - beginners welcome     Convenor: Larry Czarnik


    • 14 August 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 192
    Register

    Topic: Copyright

    Lilian Magill will be discussing Copyright and how it applies to genealogy, looking at what is covered under copyright, and where to look on various sites for their copyright conditions.

    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.

    • 28 August 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 484
    Register

    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. 

    This is an online session using the Zoom platform.

    Convenors: Diana Pecar, Linda Radulovitch and Annesley Watson

    Skill level: All


    • 30 August 2025
    • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 44
    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.

    • 06 September 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 495
    Register

    Topic: TBD

    TBD

    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

    • 06 September 2025
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 495
    Register

    Topic: TBD

    TBD

    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.

    Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    • 10 September 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 482
    Register

    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

    Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons


    • 11 September 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 197
    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.

    • 20 September 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 487
    Register

    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.


    • 24 September 2025
    • 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 486
    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

     

    • 27 September 2025
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 497
    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

    • 09 October 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 197
    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 November 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 494
    Register

    Family Tree Maker User Group

    Saturday 8 November 2025 (10.30am to 3.30pm)

    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.

    Skill level: All - beginners welcome     Convenor: Larry Czarnik


    • 15 November 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 498
    Register

    Topic: DNA Information In Your Family Tree

    Adding DNA matches and information about them to your family tree. Identifying the relationship between you and your matches. Source citations for DNA. DNA information in reports.

    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.

    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    Skill level: All     Convenor:  Danielle Lautrec

    • 22 November 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 497
    Register

    Topic: TBC


    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. 

    This meeting, our focused presentations will be TBC

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

    This session will be held online via Zoom

    Skill level:  All, beginners welcome

    Leads: Suzanne Hyde & Melissa Hulbert


    • 06 December 2025
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 497
    Register

    Topic: TBD

    TBD

    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

    • 06 December 2025
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Topic: TBD

    TBD

    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.

    Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

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LOCATIONS

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


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See our hours of opening for each building.

NSW Charitable Fundraising No. CFN/26276

CONTACT US

+61 2 9299 5151 Library (during opening hours)

+61 2 9247 3953 Office            


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