Help Us Keep FamilyHistoryWA Growing!
Preserve our stories
Help us connect
Support FAMILYHISTORYWA
We’ve set an ambitious goal to raise $15,000 between September and November—and we need your help to get there!
Due to the diminishing returns, it has been decided to discontinue the long-running Annual Raffle and appeal directly to members and supporters for a special fundraising drive.
Every dollar raised will go toward providing research equipment, digital resources, and support services for our members, keeping FHWA at the forefront of family history research.
How You Can Help:
Whether it’s $10 or $100, every contribution makes a lasting impact.
👉 Donate via Direct Deposit:
A/c Name: FamilyHistoryWA
BSB: 633-000
Account No: 122966856
Reference: [Your Surname], Donation
💳 Other Ways to Donate: Online at https://tinyurl.com/FHWADonor or by Cash, Cheque, MasterCard, or Visa (Contact Treasurer or visit our office at 6/48 May Street, Bayswater).
Thank you for being an essential part of our community and supporting your Society!
People of WA's Ghost Towns
Phase 8 is underway. Some of the most remote ghost towns of the project feature in this next stage of the Ghost Town Project. Marble Bar in the north west and the Eucla in the far south east couldn't be more different in their origins or their functions. But many people ventured there to seek their fortunes in these hazardous and extreme environments.
Pictured is the Old Eucla Telegraph Station circa 1904. Read more: Marble Bar to Eucla
National Family History Month
Open Day attracts many visitors to FHWA's Bayswater Centre
Capping off a month of activities for National Family History Month, FHWA threw its doors open on Sunday August 30. And the public responded with dozens dropping by to see what happens at the May Street centre.
National Family History Month
Western Ancestor awarded second place in national award
The Nick Vine Award, presented by the Australian Federation of Family History Societies acknowledges outstanding publications across Australia.
Topping the field this year is Descent,the journal of the Society of Genealogists in NSW. The July 2025 edition of Western Ancestor was awarded runner-up.
Check all FHWA events for NFHM 2026 and secure your spot at What's On.
National Family History Month
Don't miss out. Book your spot for National Family History Month
- Grow your family tree: State Library 12th and 13th August FHWA.
- Family History Open Day: Sunday 30 August
- Volunteers are needed. Contact the NFHM Planning Team
National Family
History Month
August is NFHM on in our library too
Time to refresh your skills or learn some new ones. The FHWA library has an extensive collection of how-to-do-it books. It's not all online. Explore our collection.
Focus on the library - July
Researching your family from India
Our collection has a varied and interesting range of materials relating to Indian family history.and a useful guide for researchers. Browse the catalogue online, or browse the shelves. And don't forget to check out the India and SE Asia Group's webpage.
Annual General Meeting
Record awards presented at AGM
The 2026 Annual General Meeting made a record number of awards to the extraordinary volunteers who are the lifeblood of the Society. Their many years of varied and extensive contributions are acknowledged. Awards citations are attached.
- Life Membership was awarded to our Treasurer Neil Bradley and State Library Volunteer Coordinator Marilyn Dimond
- Merit Awards went to Housegroup Convenors, Colleen Fancote and Olive Sampson, and to new President, Chris Harris
- Service Awards John Wright "Mr Scotland" and Maureen Robbins library volunteers.
- SIG Awards Ian Dew, Technology Group, Liana Fitzpatrick, Writers Group and Peter Hamersley South of England Group.
- Appreciation Award to Zoe Inman.of the Writers Group.
Annual General Meeting
New President for FHWA
Chris Harris was elected to the position of President at the AGM in June. She is well known to many members for her leadership in upgrading the FHWA's IT system and website. She also has served on the Management Committee as Vice President.
People of WA's Ghost Towns
Mundaring, as we now know it is not in its original location.
Read about its origins here.
Phase 7 ghost towns, including Mundaring, indexing is now underway. See the towns here.
