- Free family history sessions for Aboriginal people to be held across the Goldfields in March
- Sessions will provide access to free research services and guidance on historical records
- The visiting research team aims to support First Nations people in strengthening connections to ancestry
Aboriginal people in the Goldfields region will have the opportunity to explore their family history in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment through a series of free community sessions being held across the region in March.
The Aboriginal History WA (AHWA) team, part of the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, will visit Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Laverton and Leonora from 9 to 11 March, to support local community members seeking to learn more about their family history.
The sessions will introduce participants to significant State Government record collections that contain important historical information for Aboriginal people researching their family connections.
Participants will also be able to complete a family history request form enabling access to AHWA's free research service.
The AHWA team are specialist researchers who manage access to restricted historical records created by State Government departments prior to 1972.
AHWA's collection holds a wealth of information, including personal files, mission records and station records, which can assist Aboriginal people to reconnect with their family history.
The free family history information sessions will be held in:
Kalgoorlie |
Monday, 9 March 2026 |
10am to 12pm |
Goldfields Art Centre 35 Cheetham Street, Kalgoorlie |
Laverton |
Tuesday 10 March 2026 |
10:30am to 12:30pm |
Pakaanu Aboriginal Corporation 4 Euro Street, Laverton |
Leonora |
Wednesday,11 March 2026 |
10am to 12pm |
Waalitj Foundation 78 Tower Street, Leonora |
To find out more about the regional sessions visit the department website .
Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"This is a valuable opportunity for Aboriginal families in the Goldfields to receive specialist support as they begin exploring their family history and accessing the records that hold stories of their ancestors.
"The AHWA team are highly skilled research experts who can guide Aboriginal people on a journey of discovery and help them learn more about their ancestry and community history.
"If you live in the region, or know someone who would benefit from these sessions, I strongly encourage you to take part. These sessions may be the beginning of a meaningful and life-changing journey of reconnecting with family, culture and Country."
Comments attributed to Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"I encourage local community members to take up this important opportunity to receive guidance from specialist researchers who can support them in navigating historical archives in a culturally safe and respectful way.
"This support can help community members deepen their understanding of the region's rich history - including the stories of their families, the places they have lived, and the connections that link them to ancestors, Country, and community."
