Judy Purkiss - Genealogist

06/09/2025

Behind the scenes tour: Belmont Repository.

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the National Archives of Australia Belmont Repository. Kellie gave a fabulous talk and patiently answered everyone's questions from acid free boxes to types of records preserved and hints and tips for searching for records that may assist your research.

Photo's could not be taken inside which is fully understandable given the various records stored, privacy restrictions and the effect that flash photography can have. So you'll just have to believe me that this is a modern facility designed to store and protect records so they are available for current and future generations.

Thanks NAA Perth, great tour!

29/07/2025

Many of us would remember Mr Squiggle!

Celebrate the remarkable legacy of Norman Hetherington with our upcoming Spotlight Conversation!

Join Norman’s daughter, Rebecca, and grandson Tom as they share stories of growing up in Norman's creative orbit, followed by a special audience Q+A and an exclusive viewing of the 'Mr Squiggle and Friends' exhibition.

📅: Thursday 7 August, 6-7:30pm
📍: Gandel Atrium, National Museum of Australia

🎫 Hurry Up! Book your tickets: https://www.nma.gov.au/whats-on/spotlight-conversations

04/05/2025

2025 International Firefighters Day Memorial Service.

I attended the service today to remember the 100 firefighters in Western Australia who have lost their lives protecting our communities. Six of these were added to the memorial this year, five of whom have more than 30 years of service each, plus a young 20 year volunteer who lost his life protecting his community during a bushfire.

I have been involved with research of some of the historical fallen firefighters, including finding their living relatives, over the last few years. It is a privilege to now see families of these firefighters regularly attending a service that has become so important to them.

Their sacrifices are not forgotten

25/04/2025

At dawn on Anzac Day the rays of the rising sun shine directly through the arch at Onslow. A tribute to our service men and women who are proudly remembered for their service and sacrifices, so that we may live the life we do today.

Thank you.

Lest we forget.

09/04/2025

FULL TEXT SEARCH – Familysearch.org

Familysearch.org are currently experimenting with AI for translations, or what they call a “Full Text Search” where AI searches through all the translations it has completed and not just through the words that are in the indexes for the document. Besides doing your normal index searches on familysearch.org you may wish to also go the “experimental” webpage and try searching there as well, just in case AI finds something in it’s translations that wasn’t located during an index search. The link to the experimental page is https://www.familysearch.org/en/search/full-text

06/04/2025

TESTIMONIAL (from Peter Hood)

The information you have found is mindblowing......

- Peter Hood, Vic, Aust.
3 April 2025

03/04/2025

New series in Australia........

Host Marc Fennell, along with Journalist, Rae Johnston and an ancestry expert, Brad Argent,bring mass DNA testing to four Australian towns/neighbourhoods.The...

25/03/2025

A very easy interesting read.

By member Judy Purkiss   The book '1788, The Brutal Truth of the First Fleet', by David Hill was an easy interesting read about the 'biggest single overseas migration the world had ever seen'. The author had combined the story with quotes from many different sources to show various viewpoints relat...

22/02/2025

This will likely be an interesting talk for those interested in WWII records and thse interested in preservation of records. (Be sure to check the time difference when booking).

Join us for an inspiring showcase of our WWII Digitisation Project, a 5-year effort bringing to life a treasure trove of records and storie

18/01/2025

The 1921 Census was held on Sunday 19 June 1921. This is different to the date printed on the census as the census was postponed from the original date. This was due to a strike by coal miners and there was the prospect of a national strike which led Prime Minister, Lloyd George, to call a state of emergency.

Click below for further information on the census and where it can now be viewed:

By member Judy Purkiss   The 1921 Census was held on Sunday 19 June 1921. This is different to the date printed on the census as the census was postponed from the original date. FindMyPast states that this was due to a strike by coal miners and there was the prospect of a national strike which

19/12/2024

Looking to learn more about family history or a specific aspect or research. Rootstech are lining up their keynote speakers for the 2025 event. See if there's any that are on interest to you.

28/10/2024

Newspapers are a wonderful opportunity to find information about our ancestors.

Did you know that not all newspapers were printed on paper. Some were printed on fabric, particularly first or special editions.

Below is a photo of a edition that was printed on silk.