GSQ

Writing Interest Group Meeting Dates 2026
2026-02-15 10:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Brisbane) | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
Writing Interest Group

Aims:

to provide a forum in which members can learn more about the writing, editing, and publishing processes.
meetings will include discussion 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.

Meetings: Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of even months of the year, unless otherwise advertised. Via ZOOM.
2026: 15th Feb; 19th April; 21st June; 16th Aug; 18th Oct.
The Writing Group was formed in 2012 and grew out of two education sessions presented in 2011. We meet five times per year except December. From our beginnings as a small cohort of 10 members to a regular attendance of between 20-30, the group’s activities have also evolved.
As at June 2021 our meetings are held virtually via Zoom from 10am to 12 noon. It is hoped that we can have a mix of Zoom and face-to-face meetings in the future to provide members with the opportunity to do some personal research as well as engage with other members over morning tea and lunch, as well as meet the needs of those members who do not use Zoom.
The format for the meeting varies depending on the main topic to be discussed. Regular features include short practice sessions on a random topic; review of writing submitted by members in advance; an opportunity for members to share their achievements. Main topics we have covered include grammar, writing and style, evidence and proof, citation and referencing, copyright, different formats and structures for family histories, and many more. We have had guest speakers from time to time.
Members are encouraged to share their writing as group members may be able to provide suggestions for enhancing the style, format, etc. All comments are constructive, and the writer has discretion on whether to accept them or not. It does help, however, to have input from those not connected with a story.
Group members are at different stages of their writing; some are published authors, whereas others are just beginning. It is exciting to note that most of the winners of the Joan Reese Memorial Short Story Competition are members of the Writing Group. We regularly review how the group operates in order to meet the differing needs of beginning and more experienced writers.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation.

Contact Convenor Pauline Williams on writing@gsq.org.au for the Zoom Link or further Information.

The Mary Toole Case Study
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
The Mary Toole Case Study series examines the complexities of her lineage, familial connections, and the ties to the Buchanan name. Across four parts, the study transitions from an introductory exploration of genealogical challenges to the sophisticated application of genetic genealogy tools, culminating in the genealogical reports adhering to the Genealogical Proof Standard. It demonstrates the integration of DNA evidence with conventional research, employing a variety of methodologies, tools, and analyses to shed light Mary Toole’s ancestry. This series not only unravels Mary Toole mysteries, but also serves as a guide for genealogists navigating the nuanced realms of family history research, DNA analysis, and report writing.

Presenter:
Greg Carlill
Greg Carlill is an experienced genealogist with more than 35 years of research experience. His research has taken him into Ireland, Scotland, England, and the early days of the Australian and New Zealand colonies. As the Convener of the Genealogical Society of Queensland’s DNA Interest Group, Greg has spent the past eight years applying advanced genetic genealogy techniques to confirm and expand his research. He excels in using tools like DNA Clustering, WATO (What Are The Odds), and DNA Painter, and is skilled in managing and analysing multiple DNA tests to solve complex genealogical puzzles. Greg has a special interest in using DNA to confirm his existing research.

Tickets will close at 8am Saturday 14 Feb 2026
The link is included in your registration payment – Please make sure you retain this.
Registrants will be able to view the recording for the following month.
QFHS and any GSQ Affiliate members you will require to put in your the code given to you to use. (please contact your secretary if you do not know it)

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Colonial and Convict Interest Group Meeting Dates 2026
2026-02-08 10:00 - 14:30 | Genealogical Society of Queensland (GSQ), 25 Stackpole St, Wishart, Brisbane, QLD, 4122, Australia
The Colonial and Convict Interest Group
Aims:

to provide a specialist forum for members with a particular interest in the history of settlement from 1788 through the colonial period, before the colonies united to become the nation of Australia in 1901.
to 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.

Meetings: Meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of even months of the year unless advised. The meetings are Hybrid being held at the GSQ Resource Centre, 25 Stackpole Street, Wishart and via Zoom so that anyone unable to attend on the day can still participate in the meeting.
The Resource Centre opens at 10.00am and closes at 2.30pm. The meeting begins at 10:00 am until 12 noon, to allow members to conduct research after the meeting.
The Annual General Meeting of the Group is held in February each year.

2026: 8th Feb; 12th April; 14th June; 9th Aug; 11th Oct;13th Dec;
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation.
Contact Convenor Bev Murray on CandC@gsq.org.au to obtain a link for Zoom or further information.

Fundamentals Course 2026
2026-02-05 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-29 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-22 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-15 10:30 - 12:30 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
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

Tickets will close at 8am Thursday 15 Jan 2026
The link is included in your registration payment – Please make sure you retain this.
Registrants will be able to view the recording for the following month.
QFHS and any GSQ Affiliate members you will require to put in your Member No or Branch as well as the code given to you to use.

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English/ Irish/ Welsh Interest Group Meeting Dates 2026
2026-02-01 09:30 - 14:30 | Genealogical Society of Queensland (GSQ), 25 Stackpole St, Wishart, Brisbane, QLD, 4122, Australia
The English/ Irish/ Welsh interest Group

Aims to assist members with their research into their English, Irish or Welsh ancestry through discussion, guest speakers and acquisition of resources.
Meetings:
Are held on the 1st Sunday of even months of the year, unless otherwise advertised. The meetings are Hybrid meaning they held at the GSQ Resource Centre, 25 Stackpole Street, Wishart, as well as via Zoom so that anyone who is unable to attend on the day can still participate in the meetings.
2026: 1st Feb; 5th April; 7th June; 2nd Aug; 4th Oct; 6th Dec.
Please NOTE: The 5th April meeting will now be held on the 12th April from 1:00pm

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 counties the Group covers. There will be opportunities to ask questions of the group, seek help with a research problems you may have and to share your knowledge. You will have time to do personal research and talk to members.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation.
Contact Convenor Kim Davis on irisheng@gsq.org.au to obtain a Zoom link or further information.

Who, what, why in nineteenth century maternity care practice
2026-01-31 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
In the era before compulsory regulation applied to nurses, midwives and others attending at bedsides, there are few records which explain what maternity practice was about: who did it, what their motivations were, what preparation people had for it, and what practice involved. Useful sources to fill the gap are investigations into maternal deaths, coronal inquests and magisterial inquiries. In developing these investigative systems in the nineteenth century, Australian jurisdictions imported conventions from Britain and applied local considerations, of necessity. In this presentation, I will discuss maternity practice in Australia during the nineteenth century and the outcomes for pregnant women, with particular reference to colonial Queensland. Content alert: Please note that some material in this presentation is grim.

Presenter:
Dr Madonna Grehan
Madonna Grehan was born and grew up in Queensland. She is an independent historian, a Registered Nurse and Midwife and holds a PhD in history (Melb.). She is an Honorary Fellow in the Melbourne School of Health Sciences. Her research interests in history include: women and society in Australia from 1795; nurses, midwives and maternity care; oral history; biography; aspects of women in war. Madonna is in her 18th year as a volunteer, social-history, tour guide at the Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne.

Tickets will close at 8am Saturday 31 Jan 2026
The link is included in your registration payment – Please make sure you retain this.
Registrants will be able to view the recording for the following month.
QFHS and any GSQ Affiliate members you will require to put in your Member No or Branch as well as the code given to you to use.

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Australia Day 2026
2026-01-26 | Genealogical Society of Queensland (GSQ), 25 Stackpole St, Wishart, Brisbane, QLD, 4122, Australia
GSQ will be closed on 26th January for Australia Day 2026

German Interest Group Meeting Dates 2026
2026-01-25 10:00 - 14:30 | Genealogical Society of Queensland (GSQ), 25 Stackpole St, Wishart, Brisbane, QLD, 4122, Australia
The German Interest Group
AIMS:

to offer support and research assistance to all who are searching for their German Ancestry.
to encourage and exchange information in an informal setting.
to provide guest speakers when possible to help guide us through the maze of information available to us.
to learn the history of Germany and immigration and why our ancestors chose to leave.
to get to know about German people and their customs.

Meetings:
Meetings are held on the Last Sunday of odd months of the year, unless otherwise advertised. The meetings are Hybrid, meaning held at the GSQ Resource Centre, 25 Stackpole St, Wishart as well as via Zoom. This enables anyone how is unable to attend in person on the day.
2026: 25th Jan; 29th March; 31st May; 26th July; 27th Sept; 29th Nov.
The Resource Centre opens at 10:00 am until 2:30 pm, allowing time before or after the meeting for research or discussion.
The German Interest Group is a small, but very knowledgeable group and would love to have you attend their meetings.
Please contact via email in relation to any questions or suggestions that you might have in relation to how the group may assist you with your research.
Any GSQ members who think they may also benefit from listening to the QFHS Central European Group Zoom meetings of which are held on the 1st Sunday in the even months, please contact the convenor so that she can arrange for the link to be sent to you.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation.
Contact Convenor Lesley Roebig on germangroup@gsq.org.au to obtain a Zoom link or further information.

Scandinavian Interest Group Meeting Dates 2026
2026-01-18 12:30 - 14:30 | Genealogical Society of Queensland (GSQ), 25 Stackpole St, Wishart, Brisbane, QLD, 4122, Australia
The Scandinavian Interest Group

Aim is to provide assistance to members researching their Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish or Icelandic Ancestors.

Meetings:
Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of the odd months of the year, unless otherwise advertised, at the Resource Centre, 25 Stackpole Street, Wishart.
2026: 18th Jan; 15th March; 17th May; 19th July; 20th Sept; 15th Nov.
Please NOTE 17th May 2026 will start at 2:30 pm.

The Resource Centre opens at 12:30 pm and closes at 2:30 pm. Meetings usually commence at 12:30pm and take the form of discussions or guest speakers about Scandinavian research, migration or customs.
Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation.

Contact Convenor Steinar Johansen on scangroup@gsq.org.au for further information.

Chinese Research Interest Group Meeting Dates 2026
2026-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
The 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

Meetings: Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of odd months, unless otherwise advertised. Via ZOOM.
2026: 18th Jan; 15th March; 17th May; 19th July; 20th Sept; 15th Nov.
The meeting commences at 10:00 am until 12:00 noon and are run via Zoom.
The Group is 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.
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.

Attendees are asked to contribute a gold coin donation.
Contact Convenor Marg Doherty on chineseresearchgroup@gsq.org.au for the Zoom Link or further information.

Family Tree Maker 2024: An Overview of New and Enhanced Features - FREE GSQ Members
2026-01-17 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
The most popular Genealogical Recording program, got better in 2025 with the release of Family Tree Maker 2024 – FREE to GSQ Members
Duff Wilson plans to cover the latest updates and significant enhancements in Family Tree Maker 2024. The specific content will be tailored to the interests and discussions of your group, ensuring we address the most relevant aspects and common queries among your members. This flexible approach will allow for a dynamic and engaging session focused on what truly matters to the Genealogical Society of Queensland.
So if you are using this version of the program, or wondered what it was all about, come to this session and talk to Duff regarding it. We are sure he will be able to answer all your queries.

Presenter:
Duff Wilson
Duff Wilson is Executive Director of Family Tree Maker and has been involved in the design of every edition of Family Tree Maker since 2004. He has more than three decades of software design and development experience working with products and people from many countries and cultures across the world.

Tickets will close at 8am Saturday 17 Jan 2026

The link is included in your registration payment – Please make sure you retain this.
Registrants will be able to view the recording for the following month.
QFHS and any GSQ Affiliate members you will require to put in the code given to you to use.

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Committee Meeting Dates
2025-12-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-17 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
The GSQ Committee meet on the 3rd Monday of each Month between 9am – 12pm
Committee Members will be unavailable during this time period, please leave them a message so they can return your call.

GSQ Closure for Xmas
2025-12-13 08:00 - 2026-01-12 17:00 | Genealogical Society of Queensland (GSQ), 25 Stackpole St, Wishart, Brisbane, QLD, 4122, Australia
GSQ will be closed for the Christmas from Saturday 13th December 2025 and will reopen again on Tuesday 13th January 2026

Executive Committee Meeting Dates
2025-12-12 09:00 - 12:00 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
The GSQ Executive Committee met on the Friday before the Committee Meetings which is the 3rd Monday of the month.
All meetings are held between 9am – 12pm and Committee Members will be unavailable during that time. Please just leave them a message and they will return your call once finished.

MT Zoom 2025
2025-12-08 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-12-01 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-24 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-17 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-10 11:00 - 12:30, 2025-11-03 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
Welcome to Monday Morning Zoom

Are you interested in learning more about Genealogy/ Family History?
What can you find regarding records on the various websites, in the books at GSQ, microfiche that have not been digitized, and what you can find in Archives and Libraries.
Do you like to be part of a very relaxed group that LOVE to talk and share information?
GSQ is not opened on a Monday so why not join us from the comfort of your home along with a cuppa and don’t forget the pets.
We have discovered that many of our pets love being on Zoom and enjoy the attention of everyone saying hello to them. So all pets are welcome to come along as well.
We like to discuss events that are occurring in the genealogical world.
As a group we try to help others by offering alternative ideas or websites/records to search when someone has a problem or a brickwall.
So come and join Ailsa and Helen, every Monday from 11am – 12.30pm, and find out more about the joys of belonging to a Genealogical Society.
We do not meet on public holidays, see the event calendar,
If you are not a member of GSQ yet, you can come along for 2 meetings before needing to join.
Send your request to join us to mtzoom@gsq.org.au and we will add you to our list.
Your Hosts are: Ailsa Corlett and Helen Connor

Ailsa Corlett

Helen Connor

GSQ TAG IT Meetings 2025
2025-12-02 09:00 - 10:30, 2025-11-04 09:00 - 10:30 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
TAG IT, meet every 1st Tuesday of the month at 9.00am
Link will be sent out to all via Convenor at least the day before.

4th Wednesday Night Zoom 2025
2025-11-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
GSQ extends its invitation to everyone that is interested in learning or finding out more about Genealogical Research to attend the 2nd and 4th Wednesday Nights of the month,
via Zoom starting at 7pm.
You do not have to be a member of GSQ in order to come along, they are FREE.

Are you interested in knowing about Family History, What does it involve, How can I find out about records available, How do I go about doing Research, Would like to listen to some experts ?
The 4th Wednesday Nights we have a guest speaker talking on a large variety of topics that are involved in Family History of some sort.
These meetings are FREE to attend, but a donation is always welcomed to help sponsor subscriptions to various sites.

The Guest Speaker for this 4th Wednesday Night 26th February 2025 is:

To attend, please email wedpmzoom@gsq.org.au to advise you would like to be added to the attendee list. This will enable us to send you the Zoom link as well as information each month on what is happening.

Your hosts for the meetings are:

Ailsa Corlett

Fleur Creed

Ailsa has always been interested in family history, starting in 1989 after a trip to Central Otago and seeing photos and dresses of her Paternal ancestors in the Cromwell Museum. Being the eldest grandchild, her grandmother also told her stories and she obtained many of those wonderful little trinkets that get handed out.
Worked as a professional genealogist in the 1990’s specialising in NZ research for Australians. She was accredited under AAGRA. Now retired is very involved with GSQ and helps to run the website, the Monday and Wednesday Zooms as well as the FHTech group.

Fleur developed an interest in family history from her father, who was active in family history research, also writing books about the early settlers of the Queanbeyan, NSW district prior to the selection of the Limestone Plains as the site for the Federal Capital. Her ancestors came from England, Scotland and Ireland, and Africa via America, and include convicts, assisted immigrants and some free settlers. She has completed the SAG Certificate of Genealogical Studies, as well as completed the Diploma of Family History at UTAS. Fleur has a PhD on the topic, “Australian churches building social capital in their local communities” and currently works part-time as an academic researcher. She also operates a Facebook group about the history the early settlers of the tiny town in the North Burnett where she and her husband are turning a little timber church into their home.

Monday Indexing Team
2025-11-24 10:00 - 14:30 | Genealogical Society of Queensland (GSQ), 25 Stackpole St, Wishart, Brisbane, QLD, 4122, Australia
This time is set aside for the Monday Indexing Team, who work at GSQ on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 10am – 2.20pm.
If you do need to have a meeting at GSQ during this time period please be aware of the team being there and keep meetings quiet and conducted as quickly as possible.

Regards
GSQ Indexing Team

Wednesday morning Zoom meetings hosted by Bobbie Edes
2025-11-19 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
Wednesday morning Zoom meetings hosted by Bobbie Edes.
Starting at 11am on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month Feb to Nov.

Each of our friendly meetings is run for about 90 minutes or so. The sessions alternate between a Topic PowerPoint presentation with notes on the 1st Wednesday of each month and a help/learning aid session on the 3rd Wednesday with those present all sharing their contributions which are compiled into a handout on that subject so they can be kept for future use. Recently in these mid-moth meetings we have covered military, Australian births, immigration, land records, burials with more planned as well as helping members with their brick walls.
Our topic sessions have recently covered Plotting your ancestors journey using Google Earth, Preparations for visiting an archive, Education in Australia, Using short stories, Timeline creation, Using PowerPoint, and Using PowerPoint to tell your family story in movie format.
**Please email requests to join to: wedmorningzoom@gsq.org.au
2025 – 5th & 19th Feb; 5th & 19th March; 2nd & 16th April; 7th & 21st May; 4th & 18th June; 2nd & 16th July; 6th & 20th Aug; 3rd & 17th Sept; 1st & 15th Oct; 5th & 19th Nov; 3rd Dec Christmas Gathering.

Topic’s on the 1st Wednesday of the Month
Learning Aid/ Brickwall on the 3rd Wednesday of the Month.

2nd Wednesday Night Zoom 2025
2025-11-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtually via Zoom, QLD, Australia
GSQ extends its invitation to everyone that is interested in learning or finding out more about Genealogical Research to attend the 2nd and 4th Wednesday Nights of the month,
via Zoom starting at 7pm.
You do not have to be a member of GSQ in order to come along, they are FREE.

Are you interested in knowing about Family History, What does it involve, How can I find out about records available, How do I go about doing Research, Would like to listen to some experts ?
If these are questions you have, then please come along to our Wednesday Night Zooms. It is a self help group as well so that you can offer solutions/ideas/web sites/books and knowledge to anyone attending. Attendees are asked to participate in the 2nd Wednesday Night topic, thus sharing information about our ancestors.
The 2nd Wednesday Nights are topic based plus I have a Problem! night. (Please send in these problems or questions at least a week before the meeting)
The 4th Wednesday Nights we have a guest speaker talking on a large variety of topics that are involved in Family History of some sort.
These meetings are FREE to attend, but a donation is always welcomed to help sponsor subscriptions to various sites.

The topic for Discussion for this 2nd Wednesday Night 12th November 2025 will be:

To attend, please email wedpmzoom@gsq.org.au to advise you would like to be added to the attendee list. This will enable us to send you the Zoom link as well as information each month on what is happening.

Your hosts for the meetings are:

Ailsa Corlett

Fleur Creed

Ailsa has always been interested in family history, starting in 1989 after a trip to Central Otago and seeing photos and dresses of her Paternal ancestors in the Cromwell Museum. Being the eldest grandchild, her grandmother also told her stories and she obtained many of those wonderful little trinkets that get handed out.
Worked as a professional genealogist in the 1990’s specialising in NZ research for Australians. She was accredited under AAGRA. Now retired is very involved with GSQ and helps to run the website, the Monday and Wednesday Zooms as well as the FHTech group.

Fleur developed an interest in family history from her father, who was active in family history research, also writing books about the early settlers of the Queanbeyan, NSW district prior to the selection of the Limestone Plains as the site for the Federal Capital. Her ancestors came from England, Scotland and Ireland, and Africa via America, and include convicts, assisted immigrants and some free settlers. She has completed the SAG Certificate of Genealogical Studies, as well as completed the Diploma of Family History at UTAS. Fleur has a PhD on the topic, “Australian churches building social capital in their local communities” and currently works part-time as an academic researcher. She also operates a Facebook group about the history the early settlers of the tiny town in the North Burnett where she and her husband are turning a little timber church into their home.
