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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. 


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


CARIBBEAN RESEARCH GROUP


Our Caribbean Research Group is taking a break at the moment while we recruit new volunteer leads. If you would be interested in volunteering to lead this group or providing a presentation please email education@sag.org.au

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!
Cathie Sherwood and Diana Pecar re-established this group which deals with all things Scottish        research in 2022. This year Cathie has stepped back and Diana will be joined by three new group leads - Sally, Sue and Elizabeth.

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

    • 04 April 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 476
    Register

    Please note the different day and time for this group meeting. We are excited to have a special guest presenting live from Aotearoa New Zealand and needed to fit in with her working hours!

    Topic: New Zealand Official Yearbooks 1893-2012: The Historical Summary

    The New Zealand Official Yearbook has provided a comprehensive statistical picture of life in New Zealand from 1893 to 2012. They are a great resource for genealogists and family historians to give some perspective around the life and times of your ancestors.

    Presenter:

    Guest presenter Joanne Alexander has been in the Information Centre (Data Services ) team for 22 years at Stats NZ. They have enquiries from every sector of New Zealand including: Government both Central and Local Business, Media, Community and the General Public. Joanne's topics of interest are : Geography, Demography and Economics. The Yearbooks also include some comparisons with Australia at various times.

    Skill level: All     Convenor: Pauline Weeks

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

    • 11 April 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 182
    Register

    Agenda for April Meeting:

    1. Flash stories – sharing short pieces you’ve written on the theme of Anzac day

    2. Discussion:

    a) how have you overcome writing challenges?

    b) do you have favourite approaches or techniques that work?

    c) what’s your advice to encourage & enlighten other writers?

    3. Quick Quiz

    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


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

    • 09 May 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 191
    Register

    Agenda for May Meeting:

    1. Showcase – ‘Women of Colonial Australia’

    2. Emily talks about the WCA Project:

    a) the value of being in a writing group with a specific goal, theme & timeline

    b) working with very limited information about an ancestor by using context & imagination 

    3. Discussion: updates on your current projects

    4.  Pro writing Tips

    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

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

    • 01 June 2024
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 479
    Register

    Topic: Diggers, robbers and getters

    The Colonial Australia Research Group meets to discuss research on families living or arriving in Australia between 1788 and 1901.

    All are welcome to attend our meetings and contribute to our Research Guide.

    Skill level: All

    Group Leads: Lorraine Luks, Kristine Newton and Sharon Shelley

    This is an online session using the Zoom platform.

    This group meeting will be recorded so you can attend live or watch it later (or do both!) 

    • 08 June 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Topic: Data entry – A detailed examination of the best ways to enter data and add source citations. This will include master lists, use of the clipboard and time saving techniques.

    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 and some exercises to practice will also be provided.

    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.


    Skill level: All     Convenor:  Danielle Lautrec


    • 13 June 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 192
    Register

    Agenda for June Meeting:

    1. Good reads – share inspiring articles, books, websites, podcasts etc about or helpful to FH writing

    2. Guest speaker (TBA)

    3. Discussion 

    a) what have you ticked off your To Do List?

    b) what do you want help with?

    4. Helpdesk / workshop – sharing problems & solutions for specific challenges in writing, editing and/or publishing

    5. Quick Quiz

    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

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

    • 29 June 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 497
    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 10.00-12.00 using the Zoom platform.  We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

    Important things to note:

    1. Discussion will be focussed 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 July 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 495
    Register

     Topic: TBA

    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


    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    • 06 July 2024
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 495
    Register

    Topic: TBA

    This session will be a facilitated discussion session. It requires pre-work by participants and information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. All participants are expected to contribute to the discussion.

    Skill level: Advanced

     Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    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.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.

    • 03 August 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 498
    Register

    Topic: Generating products – How to turn your family history data into stories, reports and other useful products.

    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 and some exercises to practice will also be provided.

    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.


    Skill level: All     Convenor:  Danielle Lautrec


    • 21 September 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

     Topic: TBA

    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


    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    • 21 September 2024
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Topic: TBA

    This session will be a facilitated discussion session. It requires pre-work by participants and information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. All participants are expected to contribute to the discussion.

    Skill level: Advanced

     Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    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.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.

    • 02 November 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 497
    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 10.00-12.00 using the Zoom platform.  We won’t be recording the sessions, so you must attend live.

    Important things to note:

    1. Discussion will be focussed 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.

    • 16 November 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 498
    Register

    Topic: Maintenance and problem solving – How to look after your family history database, fix errors in the data and improve the quality of your family information.

    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 and some exercises to practice will also be provided.

    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.


    Skill level: All     Convenor:  Danielle Lautrec

    • 16 November 2024
    • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    • via Zoom
    • 489
    Register

    Topic: Camels, pearls and grapes

    The Colonial Australia Research Group meets to discuss research on families living or arriving in Australia between 1788 and 1901.

    All are welcome to attend our meetings and contribute to our Research Guide.

    Skill level: All

    Group Leads: Lorraine Luks, Kristine Newton and Sharon Shelley

    This is an online session using the Zoom platform.

    This group meeting will be recorded so you can attend live or watch it later (or do both!) 

    • 07 December 2024
    • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 497
    Register

     Topic: TBA

    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


    This session will be held online via the Zoom platform.

    • 07 December 2024
    • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    • 496
    Register

    Topic: TBA

    This session will be a facilitated discussion session. It requires pre-work by participants and information and discussion questions will be distributed before the meeting. All participants are expected to contribute to the discussion.

    Skill level: Advanced

     Facilitator: Sharon Watson

    Group Leads: Veronica Williams and Danielle Lautrec

    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.

    This is an online session. It will NOT be recorded due to privacy reasons, so you should only book if you can attend live.

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CONTACT US

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