NSW & ACT Association's 2025 Annual Conference, Day 3.

 With no early morning wake-ups, I still woke around 6.00am. I finished my packing, read and  did my usual things in the iPad. I decided to go for a small walk, before breakfast, near my hotel.

Towradgi Creek.

Towradgi is derived from the Dharawal word Kowradgi, meaning "guardian of the sacred stones."

Back at the club in time for the 9.00am start, the atmosphere was still upbeat, with many conversations taking place, before our M.C., Chris called us to order. 

Betty O'Neill was up first with Unlock Your Family's Story: A Writing Workshop. To quote Betty, Everyone has a family story worth telling-what's yours? She talked of using building blocks for stories, like developed characters, using the senses, detailed scenes were just some of them. A writing exercise, for us to get us thinking about our ancestors. I managed about 3/4 of a page and think I will expand it further.

  

Jeffrey Madsen, gives wonderful talks about using maps and how much they can tell you. His talk was Discovering Abraham, Plus a Whole Lot More, in the Illawarra and looking at one of the maps he used I found a small connection to one of my ancestors, that I now will explore. Jeff's investigation highlighted the importance of understanding the history and land ownership in the Illawarra region. (Now to see about this small connection.)

Morning tea and a chance to say goodbye to people and swap business cards, phone numbers and take last minute photos.

Next up was Mike Traynor, with a informative talk on Our Ancestor's Voyages. Mike was very good at explaining the various vessels they sailed in, how tonnage was calculated and what live would have been like for the passengers. I now plan to look more closely at the ships, I know about and add that to my family history.

The final talk of the weekend was Ruth Graham, CEO of the Society of Australian Genealogists, with Connecting Common Threads: The vital role of Research Groups in engaging the Society of Australian Genealogists members and friends. Ruth highlighted the pivotal role the Research Groups play in fostering a vibrant community. How volunteers  help the Society run.  

The close came and we all departed, inspired, tired but thrilled to have been there. A really good weekend.