UPCOMING EVENTS AND LATEST NEWS
May 2026 has been a busy month for PIADGS
Thanks to a grant from Bass Coast Shire Council we had the pleasure of Trena Ronnfeldt, the Library and Resources Manager, from the Genealogical Society of Victoria, speaking to us on Trove , the treasures it contains and how to unlock them. Trena previously worked at the National Library, where she coordinated Trove programs.
A crowd of around 30 members and visitors attended and received many useful research hints from Trena. They then enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea and many hurried home to try out Trena’s suggestions. It was a very valuable afternoon.
Volunteer Week – 18-24 May 2026
PIADGS attended a local volunteer expo at Berninneit showcasing the variety of community groups on the Island. It was a good to talk to visitors and explain what we do. Again, the common misconception amongst the public is that we will only research Island families! We can research families all over the world with the resources available to us. Thank you to the committee members who set up and manned our display.
Using a grant from Bass Coast Shire, we also held a morning tea at the Phillip Island Golf Club, to thank our roster volunteers and the committee for their commitment to the success of our group. We would not exist without our volunteers.
PREVIOUS EVENTS AND NEWS
Down the Rabbit Hole: research tips and discoveries – Sat 18 April 2026 @ 2-4pm
How to search “Trove” – Saturday 9 May 2026 @ 2-4pm
How AI can be used in family history research – Saturday 14 February 2026 @ 1pm
Starting a Family History Journey – Tuesday 26 August 2025 @ 2pm
Our Cuppa and Chat afternoon at the Hill Top Farm Cafe was enjoyed by everyone who attended…. The scones, jam and cream went down very well, and the coffee was lovely…. Thank you to everyone who came – we didn’t solve any brick walls, but it was a great opportunity to get to know each other a little more. Shall we do it again – the answer was a resounding YES.
DNA: The Family Connection – Saturday 21 June 2025 @ 1.30pm
Have you ever wondered what your DNA might reveal? Could your DNA lead you to a famous family member or perhaps one with an interesting and colourful history?
On Saturday 21st June, The Phillip Island and District Genealogical Society (PIADGS) was pleased to host a talk by Dr. Jenny Redman from the Genealogical Society of Victoria about that very subject, DNA. Dr Redman presented a very comprehensive talk concerning DNA, the process involved and the advantages and disadvantages of using this means for family history research. It was a very interesting and valuable talk, with many examples of where DNA successfully produced correct information. DNA is a means to provide a good guideline for investigation, as official records still must be viewed with suspicion until corroborating evidence is obtained. Following the talk a number of questions were asked relating to individual research and advice provided. A delicious afternoon tea was provided by members of the PIADGS, whilst those attending chatted, many who had travelled from off the Island.
Thank you to the Bass Coast Shire Council who provided a generous Quick Response Grant which funded the speaker, hall hire, advertising and new display flags. Also a big thank you to those members who assisted by providing afternoon tea and help with the room set up.
Fun, Trivia and afternoon Tea – Saturday 12 April 2025 @ 1.30pm
22 members attended, and as promised, the afternoon tea was scrumptious – Jenny Dixon’s cream and passionfruit sponge proved to be an absolute favourite. Whilst everyone got stuck into the trivia questions, groups of members were taken into the Computer Room where our new website was demonstrated.The Trivia questions were challenging, and Lesley scored the highest total. All in all, it was a successful afternoon.
Saturday 19 March 2022 @ 1.30 – 4pm
Covid permitting, another FTM assistance session for beginners and experienced users, will be held on 19 March. This is a chance to ask questions and share experiences with other researchers.
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