Program of Events

The program of events is now available and can be viewed online by following this link:

Program of Events

Registration

To register for the 2008 conference please download the following registration form that you can print and complete:

2008 Annual State Conference Registration Form - PDF

If you would like your Research Interests included in the 2008 NSW & ACT Family History Societies Inc. Registrants Interest Directory, please download the following form to print and complete.

2008 Annual Conference Research Interests Form - PDF

About the Conference

Dubbo & District Family History Society is well into the planning stages for the 2008 NSW & ACT Conference which will be held from Friday 12 – Sunday 14 September.

The theme chosen is ‘Conquering the Tyranny of Distance’.

Dubbo RSL Resort has undergone extensions and renovations and while utilizing a similar area to the 1998 conference, two new areas have been included. One the former theatre, now a tiered conference facility, and a new enclosed area on the upper floor for lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

As 2008 is the 90th Anniversary of the end of WWI there will be a war theme sourcing many topics not covered before at family history conferences. The speakers for this year include:-

Dr Richard Reid is our keynote speaker who will bring the theme together.

Janis Wilton is an Associate Professor in the School of Classics, History and Religion at UNE. Areas of interest are Oral history and Ethnic community histories.

Cora Num has been writing and publishing quality Australian genealogy guides since 1995 and in 1997 established ‘Web Site for Genealogists’. This site is Australia’s premier genealogy gateway and attracts thousands of visitors each day.

Dr Perry McIntyre has been on the Council of SAG since 1991. Perry is the former President of the History Council of NSW (2005-2006), currently Vice President, and also sits on the Council of Australian Catholic Historical Society. Perry’s main historical interests are early colonial emigration particularly from Ireland and with Dr Richard Reid has been co-tour director of five Genealogy tours to Ireland. Perry has lectured to the genealogical community in Australia and Ireland. In September 2006 she was awarded her PhD on an emigration topic. Perry has written a number of books including her most recent, ‘Quarantined! The 1837 Lady McNaughten Immigrants’.

Cheryl Mongan is an excellent historian. Cheryl co-wrote ‘A Decent Set of Girls’, has co-authored two publications, served on various heritage advisory committees, is a frequent speaker at seminars and conferences and is involved in the organization of historical, genealogical and cultural events on a regular basis. She is employed in the History Unit, Commemorations Branch, with the Department of Veterans Affairs and is president of Yass Historical Society.

Pat Dargin is a retired principal of North Dubbo Public School who is in retirement travels with husband, Peter, throughout NSW conducting storytelling workshops. Pat’s passion is Dundullimal, the historic homestead in Dubbo managed by the National Trust.

Michael Caulfield of Orange comes very highly recommended. Michael is a radio presenter who has interviewed more than 2000 people, including veterans on all sorts of issues related to WWII that feed into the Australians at War Archives in Canberra. This is one of the largest databases/record sources of Australian Social History of the 20th Century.

Entertainment at Conference Dinner

You are in for a treat with Jason and Chloe Roweth of Millthorpe. The couple, while presenting bushranger ballads, also brings to life the historical element of their music with dialogue to suit.

Further Information.

The DDFHS Library will be open for periods before, during and after the Conference on the Sunday afternoon for those wishing to stay on. Dubbo also has much to offer by way of attractions for those accompanying conference registrants.

Contact the Dubbo Visitors Centre & Events Bureau (02) 6801 4450 to receive a free and comprehensive Visitor Information Pack - including a choice of over 70 places to stay.