Fundamentals Course 2026
January 29, 2026 @ 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM AEST
Join GSQ’s Fundamental Course in Family History
it is then followed by the Digging Deeper Course in June
If you are just starting out with your genealogical research or if you would like a refresher on what, where and how to do it, then this course has been designed for you.
It is a four week course starting on Thursday 15th January 2026 at 10:30 AM via Zoom.
All sessions are recorded and will be available for attendees to view for the following 4 weeks.
If you are new to researching your family history and are not already a member of GSQ, but decide to join us during the course, then you will be refunded the $15 difference that occurs between the GSQ member and non member registration fee for this course.
Topics and Dates:
15 Jan 2026
Where do I start? The basics of family history research. Certificates, civil registration, and Australia’s convicts.
1st Session: – Marg
- Basic’s – Start with yourself, write down what you know, ask family members who might know some details etc.
2nd Session: – Bev
- Civil Registration in Australia, what is on Certificates, and early church records available. The UK BDM’s civil registration and information regarding Australia’s convicts.
22 Jan 2026
Finding records, primary and secondary, citations, standards, other sources of information and research plans.
Both Sessions: – Kim
- Primary and secondary records, citations, with examples from personal research. Advantages of looking at cemetery and funeral directors records. Research plans and logs and Standards.
29 Jan 2026
Using Australian census and census substitutes, UK census. Practicalities of research and Repositories
1st Session: – Bev
- Australian 1828 and 1841 Census and their substitutes – Electoral Rolls and Post Office Directories. Census of the UK 1841 – 1921 and the 1939 UK Register.
2nd Session: – Marg
- Repositories – using them and what to expect to find in them. Practical details of research and being prepared for your visit.
5 Feb 2026
Putting it altogether in a Family History Program or an online tree and filing.
Both Sessions: – Ailsa
- Genealogical Programs – Family Tree Maker, Legacy, RootsMagic, Family Historian.
- Online Trees – Ancestry, MyHeritage, WikiTree and FamilySearch.
- Filing on your computer.
All sessions are with experienced GSQ researchers: Marg Doherty; Kim Davis; Bev Murray; Ailsa Corlett
Please book in early to ensure you have a spot and get the Early Bird discount.
Early Bird – up to 5th Jan 2026 is $70 for GSQ/QFHS/ Affiliate and Corporate Members and $85 for Non-members
After the 5th Jan 2026 prices will be $80 and $95
Related Events
How to book an Education Event
On the Events Calendar find the event.
If you are a GSQ member you need to click on the Sign In.
Put in your email and password that you use to Sign In to your MembershipWorks personal portal.
The GSQ Member selection is at the top of the list. Select 1 for the quantity of tickets you require. Do not use the other boxes unless you are an Affiliate/Corporate Member of from QFHS as they have been given a special code to obtain a discount.
The program should automatically fill in your personal details into the boxes requiring information. If it does not then please enter all that is required.
If you are intending to pay by a Bank Transfer or at GSQ by Cash or EFTPOS – please make sure it is a Yes in the box asking the question.
If you are not paying by Bank Transfer, please make sure it is a No.
If you are paying by Bank Transfer or at GSQ just Click in the spot where the Bank Account details are and press Register.
If you are paying by Credit Card, put your name, credit card number, and expiration date in the boxes. Once those have been entered the provision for the CVC on your card will become visible. All of these details must be entered and then press Register.
You will be sent an email, straight away, with a copy of your registration to the event.
You must keep this registration as it has the link on it to attend the Zoom meeting.
Payment types
Credit Card:
Can be used online, in person at GSQ or via telephone.
Direct Bank Transfer: Offline
Transfer the funds to GSQ using GSQ’s bank details provided at the time of booking.
(Payment must received at least 2 days from booking the event)
Cash: Offline
In person at GSQ
By phone: Offline
Telephone GSQ on 07 3349 6072 during opening hours for EFTPOS credit card payment. BUT you must complete the Online Registration form.
In person: Offline
Come into GSQ and have a library assistant help you complete the Online Registration you have chosen.
Remember:
For all courses, bookings are essential and must be completed Online.
Also, please note that the GSQ education program is prepared many months in advance. Occasionally, changes need to be made due to circumstances which are out of GSQ’s control.
Please check the GSQ website Events for up to date information.