GENEALOGY SUNSHINE COAST - A snapshot

1978 Formed as the Sunshine Coast Branch Genealogical Society of Qld 

In June 1978, 15 people who had attended a weekend TAFE course on genealogy formed the Sunshine Sunshine Coast Branch of the Genealogical Society of Qld. They housed their resources under a members house and met regularly to develop a resource collection of research materials.

( 1978-2003) in the private home of Joan Thomas in Nambour

1980 – 60 books were held in the library , kept in a laundry basket

1982 – Met at Ed Cooney’s home under the house

1982 - A daring decision was made to purchase an expensive set of microfiche. Members raised the money from raffles and stalls to make the purchase. In May 1982, the group moved its meetings from the Thomas family home to the home of Ed and Lil Cooney. The library was housed in a laundry basket which travelled to and from the meetings. 

The microfiche grew over the years into the extensive collection held today and still in use.

1986 – Met in basement of the old Bayard’s building in Nambour

In April 1986, there was a fire in the building in the basement of the Old Civic Centre, with some small water damage occurring to the society’s possessions. The building was vacated at short notice.

1986 – 1988 The group rented part of the basement at Bailey’s Corner, but when the building was sold, an urgent move was required.

1986 – Formed a committee to investigate acquiring a permanent home

1986 – First issue of Kin Tracer, our quarterly journal, published

1988 - Formed the local Sunshine Coast Historical & Genealogical Resource Centre Inc

1988 - The Sunshine Coast Historical and Genealogical Resource Centre was formed. There were 31 members present at this meeting. A new home was found for the society at the Forest Glen Uniting Church, where they were able to rent the Sunday School Hall.

1988 – Council offered land in Petrie Park

1990 - The group decided to build its own purpose built premises and is one of the only societies of its type with ownership of such a facility. Many members of the group at that time contributed substantial amounts to enable the construction to proceed 

1992 – Federal grant funding available, received $34000 – 

GSC raised $34000 additional for a total construction cost of $68000

1992-1993 - $15,000 of State Govt funding was approved towards the building costs

1993 – Branch of the GSQ was dissolved and all assets were merged