Interest Groups
GSQ has a number of Interest Groups which have been formed to assist members and exchange information in specialised areas. These groups meet bi-monthly on Sundays. See the Events Calendar for meeting dates.
- Colonial and Convict Interest Group
- English Irish Welsh Interest Group
- German Interest Group
- Scandinavian Interest Group
- Scottish Interest Group
- Writing Interest Group
- DNA Interest Group
- Family History Technology Interest Group
- Chinese Research Interest Group
Membership
Membership is open to all financial members of the Society. No extra fees are applied, though a gold coin donation from members attending meetings is appreciated. Donations are used to purchase more books/ subscriptions to online sites or computer-based resources for the Society.
A Non Member may attend two meetings but then must join GSQ in order to continue to attend the Interest Groups.
These groups are as follows:
Colonial and Convict Interest Group
Did your ancestors come to Australia before 1901?
- Were they free settlers leaving their home for a new land?
- Were they convicts brought to a strange place?
- What happened to them and their descendants?
- Would like to join a group focused on our early colonial heritage?
AIMS:
The Colonial and Convict Interest Group focuses on the history of settlement from 1788 through the colonial period, before the colonies united to become the nation of Australia in 1901.
We seek to collaboratively explore all aspects of this fascinating period of our history and our colonial heritage. Develop insights into your ancestors' life experiences, including the horrors of transportation. Join, research, learn and share information. Hear the stories of others.
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of even numbered months of the year unless advised. See the Events Calendar for further details.
The Resource Centre opens at 10:00 am to 2:30 pm. The meeting begins at 10:00 am to 12 noon, to allow members to conduct research after the meeting.
The meetings are hybrid, so that those unable to attend on the day can still join into the meeting via Zoom.
2025: 9th Feb; 13th April; 8th June; 10th Aug; 12th Oct; 14th Dec.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation.This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present.
NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION:
The Group produces a newsletter, "The Chronicle" three times a year. Any person may subscribe to the Chronicle for an annual subscription of $15.00. Copies are also available for sale at the meetings for $5.00 each.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact the Convenor Bev Murray on CandC@gsq.org.au for a link to the Zoom or further information about the group or you can write to: Colonial and Convict Interest Group, Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152
English Irish Welsh Interest Group
AIMS:
The aim of the Group is to assist members with their research into their English, Welsh or Irish ancestry through discussion, guest speakers and acquisition of resources.
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the 1st Sunday of even numbered months of the year, unless otherwise advertised. See the Events Calendar for further details.
The Resource Centre opens at 9:30 am and closes at 2:30 pm. The meeting begins at 10:00 am with a discussion followed by one of the members giving a presentation relevant to one of the countries the Group covers. There will be opportunities to ask questions of the group, seek help with a research problem you may have and to share your knowledge. You will have time to do personal research and talk to members.
Guest speakers are invited to the meetings from time to time.
The meetings are informal as our members prefer to have general discussions in a friendly and open format. Suggestions regarding workshops and guest speakers are always welcome! The Group has had a wide and interesting range of discussion topics over the past few years.
The meetings are hybrid, so that those unable to attend on the day can still join into the meeting via Zoom.
2025: 2nd Feb; 6th April; 1st June; 3rd Aug; 5th Oct; 7th Dec.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact Convenor Kim Davis on irisheng@gsq.org.au for a link to the Zoom or further information about the group or you can write to: English Irish Welsh Interest Group, Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152
German Interest Group
THE GERMAN GROUP welcomes its participation in the GERMAN-AUSTRALIAN GENEALOGY and HISTORY ALLIANCE (GAGHA) - since Nov 2016.
AIMS:
Share information internationally and interstate,
Offer support and assistance to research your German Ancestry.
Encourage and exchange information in an informal setting.
Provide guest speakers when possible to help guide us through the maze of information available to us.
Learn the history of Germany and immigration and why our ancestors chose to leave,
Get to know the German people and their cultures.
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
RESOURCES:
Since its inception in 1983, the German Research Group has added a collection of maps, guides, reference books and journals, plus family, local, church and school histories to the library. GSQ holds one of the most comprehensive ranges of German material in Queensland.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the last Sunday of odd months. Any changes to meeting dates are advertised in the GSQ e-news and the Groups Newsletter “Die Zeitung” which is published to coincide with meetings and is available by mail, or email for an annual fee of $10.00 or at a meeting for a cost of $2.00 per copy. Refer also the Events Calendar.
The Resource Centre opens at 10:00 am and closes at 2:15 pm. At the start of the meeting the current balance in our account and minutes from the previous meeting together with any relevant information is presented. Suggestions, or discussions follow in relation to the group, the rest of the meeting is taken up by endeavoring to help people with their research. New comers are always welcome.
The meetings are hybrid so that those who are unable to attend on the day can still participate in the meeting.
2025: 26th Jan; 30th March; 25th May; 27th July; 28th Sept; 30th Nov.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present.
NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION:
- An annual fee of $10, which includes postage for those without email.
- Subscription begins with the first issue after payment, irrespective of the date.
- Renewal letters are sent to all subscribers.
- Email newsletters: The newsletter the "Die Zeitung" is sent via email to those who have made their annual payment of $10.00
- A copy can be purchased at the meetings for $2.00
- Requests for research to be undertaken by the group will require a $30 fee.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact Convenor Lesley Roebig on germangroup@gsq.org.au for a link to the Zoom or further information about the group or you can write to: German Interest Group, Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152
Scandinavian Interest Group
AIMS:
The Scandinavian Interest Group aims to provide assistance to members researching their Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish or Icelandic ancestors.
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
OTHER INFORMATION:
The group is believed to be the only Scandinavian Interest Group operating in Australia.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of the odd months of the year, unless otherwise advertised. See the Events Calendar for further details.
The Resource Centre opens at 12:30 pm and closes at 2:30 pm. The meetings usually commence at 12:30 pm and take the form of discussions or guest speakers about Scandinavian research, migration or customs.
2025: 19th Jan; 16th March; 18th May; 20th July; 21st Sept; 16th Nov. - Please NOTE 18th May 2025 start is at 2:30 pm
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact Convenor Steinar Johansen on scangroup@gsq.org.au for further information about the group or you can write to Scandinavian Interest Group: Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152.
Scottish Interest Group
AIMS:
The purpose of the Scottish Interest Group is to provide assistance to those researching Scottish ancestors. This is done in three ways: providing resources to assist in research; providing opportunities to talk to other researchers; and organising seminars about subjects connected with Scottish genealogy, culture and history.
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
RESOURCES:
The collection of Scottish resources available at the Society is among the strongest in Queensland.
OTHER INFORMATION:
The group is a member of the Scottish Association of Family History Societies.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the 1st Sunday of odd months of the year, unless otherwise advertised. See the Events Calendar for further details
The Resource Centre opens at 10:00 am and closes at 2:30 pm. The meeting usually commences at 11am and take the form of discussions or guest speakers about Scottish research, migration or customs with the remaining time for members to conduct their own research.
The meetings are hybrid so that those who are unable to attend on the day can still participate in the meeting.
2025: 2nd March; 4th May; 6th July; 7th Sept; 2nd Nov.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact Convenor Alistair Henderson on scotgroup@gsq.org.au for further information about the group or you can write to Scottish Interest Group: Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152.
Writing Interest Group
AIMS:
The aim of the group is to provide a forum in which members can learn more about the writing, editing, and publishing processes.
Each meeting will include discussions and presentations. Guest speakers will be invited from time to time.
Members are invited to submit pieces of writing for comment and suggestions by other members.
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of even months, unless otherwise advertised. See the Events Calendar for further details.via ZOOM.
The meeting commence at 10:00 am until 12:00 noon and are run via Zoom. It is hoped in the future to be run as a hybrid meeting at the Resource Centre.
2025: 16th Feb; 20th April; 15th June; 17th Aug; 19th Oct.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present, plus funds to sponsor the Joan Reese Writing Competition held each year.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact Convenor Pauline Williams on writing@gsq.org.au to obtain a link for the Zoom meeting or for further information about the group. You can also write to the Writing Interest Group: Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152.
DNA Interest Group
AIMS:
The DNA Group was launched in May 2015 to assist members understand how DNA works and how it can assist you with your research.
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
OTHER INFORMATION:
The DNA Interest Group also runs a closed Facebook page for discussion regarding DNA plus hold a DNA Clinic on the 5th Wednesday of specific months from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the 4th Sunday of even months, via Zoom unless otherwise advertised. See the Events Calendar for further details.
The meeting commences at 9:30 am until 1:30 pm depending on needs and are run via Zoom. It is hoped in the future to be run as a hybrid meeting at the Resource Centre.
Meetings consist of updates occurring in the DNA world, a presentation and Q&A sessions.
2025: 23rd Feb; 27th April; 22nd June; 24th Aug; 26th Oct.
DNA Clinic: 29th Jan; 30th April; 30th July; 29th Oct.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact Convenor Greg Carlill on dna@gsq.org.au to obtain a link for the Zoom meeting or for further information about the group. You can also write to the DNA Interest Group: Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152.
Family History Tech Interest Group
AIMS:
To assist GSQ members with increasing their knowledge and skills in using technology which can assist with their Genealogical research
Make members comfortable with Genealogical advancements that are happening in the world.
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of odd months, via Zoom unless otherwise advertised. See the Events Calendar for further details.
The meeting commences at 10:00 am until 12:00 pm and are run via Zoom. It is hoped in the future to be run as a hybrid meeting at the Resource Centre.
The group gives opportunities to look at many other technologies that may help to preserve and publish your family history data.
These may include but not limited to:
- File management and storage.
- Various Software Programs especially ones to use with family history.
- Help in relation to the many Genealogical Website usage.
- Help with common computer problems.
- Common Windows/PC or Mac Problems.
- Work together as a group to help others overcome issues and also to swap ideas which can assist others.
2025: 9th March; 11th May; 13th July; 14th Sept; 9th Nov.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact Convenors Ailsa Corlett and Helen Connor on FHTech@gsq.org.au to obtain a link for the Zoom meeting or for further information about the group. You can also write to the FHTech Interest Group: Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152.
Chinese Research Interest Group
AIMS:
To provide members with knowledge about family history research of Chinese families in Australia
To share findings, ideas and techniques on successfully researching Chinese ancestors and others
A new Interest Group was developed for GSQ members who are interested in researching their Chinese ancestors who have come to Australia or in exploring the life stories of Chinese people in Australia.
Throughout the centuries, many Chinese people have migrated to Australia to pursue various undertakings and to lead interesting lives in diverse places around Australia, from cities to regional areas
MEMBERSHIP:
GSQ Membership is required, but non-members may attend two meetings to see what we have to offer.
MEETINGS:
Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of odd months, via Zoom unless otherwise advertised. See the Events Calendar for further details.
The meeting commences at 10:00 am until 12:00 noon and are run via Zoom.
Members of the Group are encouraged to bring examples of problems they are having in tracing various Chinese people, as well as examples of successes they have had with their research. Guest speakers are also arranged when available.
2025: 16th March; 18th May; 20th July; 21st Sept; 16th Nov.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation. This is used to purchase resources to benefit areas that members are researching and or is of interest to all present.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Contact Convenor Marg Doherty on chineseresearchgroup@gsq.org.au to obtain a link for the Zoom meeting or for further information about the group. You can also write to the Chinese Research Interest Group: Genealogical Society of Queensland, PO Box 1467, Carindale, QLD 4152.