Stawell Biarri Group for Genealogy Inc

Our Research Service:

Stawell Biarri Group for Genealogy Inc. holds a wide range of Stawell & District resources and resources for Victorian, Australian and overseas research. It provides a prompt and economical research service specialising in local research, but also extending it back within Australia and overseas when resources are readily available. Please note that photocopies of certificates extracted from local church registers are only available to family members or authorised family researchers.

1. We have fixed a minimum research fee of $A20, payable in advance. (That’s $20 in Australian currency.) Research requests must be accompanied with a stamped/addressed envelope or a business size envelope and two International Reply Coupons The advance-payment $A20 minimum fee would cover all costs of most short research requests, including photocopying and limited printouts.
2. For more complicated research a fee of $A10.00 per hour, or part thereof, applies after the first hour, and
3. Additional costs then apply for photocopy & computer printouts, microfiche and microfilm printouts, for Certificates from Church Registers which we hold in our library and for postage.

Every endeavour is taken to ensure those requesting information are satisfied with what they receive.

Minimum fee: Research fee, after 1st hour: Photocopying: Computer printouts: Microfiche printouts: Microfilm printouts: Certificate photocopies: Postage:

$A20.00 $A10.00 per hour or part thereof 20 cents per A4 page 20 cents per A4 page $A1.00 per A4 page $A1.00 per A4 page $A5.00 each At cost

Research will be undertaken on receipt of a formal request. You may:

• visit the library on a regular research day.
• write to P.O. Box 417, Stawell Vic. 3380, Australia.
• send an email. (However payment must be received before work is undertaken.)

Do-it-yourself Research:

Research assistance is available at our Research Meetings, held at the Stawell Library, from 2.00pm to 4.00pm every Wednesday. During this time our members are available to assist you in researching our resources and those of the Library, including the World Wide Web. We have also placed many of our resources on open access, so that you may use them during normal library opening hours. Our extensive collection of Newsletters and microfiche are examples of our "Open Access" resources.

The following guidelines are provided for those new to genealogy:

Genealogy is simply preparation of a 'pedigree' or 'family tree'.
Family History is extending the 'family tree' into a history, which may include where your ancestors and descendants lived, went to school, worked, etc. and the economic and social conditions of the period.

To begin your genealogy, preparation is important. First write down everything you know about the family you wish to trace. Sources of information can be what you and relatives know, birth/marriage/death certificates, family bibles, wills etc. Whatever you can find.

Family data sheets are a good way to record this information. One is needed for each family group. A typical sheet contains the following details:

FAMILY DATA SHEET Husband's (and Wife's) Name Birth Date Marriage Date and Place Death Date and Place Father's Name Mother's Maiden Name Residence Occupation Children's Names FOR EACH CHILD Name Where & When Born Where & When Married Married to Where and When Died Number of Children

Don't worry if you don't know everything. Simply record what you know or can find out. You have now started your family tree and are ready to take the next step, contact with a genealogy group.

Building on the basics: Researching the family histories of Stawell (including the formerly named 'Pleasant Creek' and 'The Reefs') is a rewarding experience. We recommend that you start your genealogy using the extensive (local, Australian and overseas) resources of the Stawell Biarri Group for Genealogy. Whether you have connections with Stawell, or not, we have all that is needed to start your family tree. After you have exhausted our resources we suggest:

• Using our 'Hot Links' page to expand your information;
• Visiting the 'International Genealogical Index' (IGI) web site or a local/nearby 'Family History Centre';
• Purchasing certificates or transcripts;
• Accessing information held by the Stawell Historical Society;
• A visit to Stawell;
• Going further, e.g. a visit to the Genealogical Society of Victoria (GSV), Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies (AIGS) etc. and finally;
• An overseas trip?

Whatever your specific direction of research, we would be happy to advise on the availability and location of appropriate resources.

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