This August, Campaspe Library Service is celebrating Family History Month with a rich program of events designed to help residents uncover the stories that shaped their families and communities.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Cr Daniel Mackrell said the month-long celebration is a chance for people of all ages to connect with their roots and discover the power of personal history.
"Family History Month is a great chance for people to dig into their past and uncover the stories that make their families unique.
"There are some fantastic events lined up, from author talks to hands-on workshops, and I think people will be surprised by how much they can discover. Whether you're just curious or deep into your research, it's a fascinating endeavour.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our shared heritage and celebrate the diversity of our local families," Cr Mackrell said.
Library Services Manager Jenny Mustey said the library team is excited to support the community in exploring their ancestry, with resources and expertise available to guide every step of the journey.
"Our libraries are a gateway to the past - we offer tools, databases, and personalised support to make your search meaningful," Mrs Mustey said.
In addition to regular library offerings, Family History Month features a variety of special events designed to inspire and inform:
Guest Speakers – Author Talks
Jenny Date "What happened to the girl from the Mallee" – Echuca Library on Friday 8 August at 1:30pm
Helene Sutherland "The Salvage of the Alexander Arbuthnot" – Echuca Library on Friday 22 August at 1:30pm
Pam Wells "The Tiger has Many Lives: The Story of Rod Wells" – Rushworth Library on Tuesday, 5 August at 1:30pm
Talk family history with the Echuca Moama Family History Group
Echuca Library
Saturday, 2 August 10am-1pm
Wednesday, 6 August 12 – 3pm
Thursday, 14 August 10am – 1pm
Tuesday, 19 August 10am - 1pm
Saturday, 30 August 10am – 1pm
Ancestry - Learn tips and tricks to using the genealogical database "Ancestry", available free at your local library
- Echuca Library – Monday 11 August 11am – 12noon
- Tongala Library – Thursday, 7 August 10 – 11am
Treasures from Trove - Join Jenny for a creative non-fiction writing workshop where you will discover 'Treasures' from Trove to spark imaginative short stories, poems and prose.
- Echuca Library – Tuesday, 12 August, 1:30 – 3pm
PROV - Learn what records are available free online from the Public Records Office of Victoria and how to find them
- Echuca Library – Monday, 25 August 11am – 12noon
1 on 1 Sessions - Drawing on the expertise & knowledge of Campaspe library staff, they will offer sessions to assist you in your family research. Discover tips and tricks to support your research.
- Echuca Library – Wednesday, 27 August at 1:30pm and 2:45pm
- Kyabram Library – Wednesday, 13 August at 9am, 10:15am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:15pm, OR 3:30pm
- Tongala Library – Thursday, 7 August at 11:15am, 1pm OR 2:15pm
- Rochester Library – Friday 1, 15, 22, and 29 August at 10:30am
- Rushworth Library – Tuesday, 5 August at 9:30am, 10:45am, 1pm, 2:15pm or 3:30pm