Our History

In 1978, a few newcomers to genealogical research formed a genealogy group based on the Sunshine Coast, initially to research family history and to develop and collect the resources and records necessary for that purpose. 

The group outgrew several temporary homes and moved to a variety of locations as it grew, all the while continuing to develop a library and resource collection of its own. Underneath Bayards was one of our homes in our journey over the years.

2018 saw this group celebrate its 40th anniversary, with some of those early members attending. Many received life membership in recognition of their outstanding efforts to encourage family history research.

Genealogy Sunshine Coast was formed in 1988 as a separate entity, having separated from its parent organization. The group was incorporated on 28th April 1989 under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 under our full title of Sunshine Coast Historical and Genealogical Resource Centre Inc.

We have also developed an educational program to help members and the general community take advantage of our centre for their own personal development and for a broader community benefit. It has grown in its purpose and direction to include the collection and preservation of local history, especially the recording of primary source material where possible, and to use whatever means is available to collect and disseminate that information to the community. 

Our organization is primarily self-funded, non-profit and staffed wholly by volunteers. We value the support of the Sunshine Coast Council through a competitive community grants program which has continued to assist us improve and develop our facilities, equipment and services over many years.

Genealogy Sunshine Coast funded the building of our own premises in Petrie Park Road, Nambour, just opposite the swimming pool. The site is leased from Sunshine Coast Regional Council. In 2014 we extended the original building, doubling our building in size and creating our GSC Learning for Life Community Hub. in 2018 we celebrated our 40th anniversary!

Members of the group continue to donate resources to the centre. 80% of our new resources each year are personally donated by our membership and provide a unique resource for research on our local area, throughout Australia and overseas. 

A roster of volunteer duty librarians maintain a library and research service 3 days per week, with volunteer tutors providing several series of classes, workshops and help sessions held in house.