Announcements

There is a call for nominations for the position of Treasurer.

Nominations are due in on Monday, 8th June 2026 (5 days prior to the Annual General Meeting on the 13th June).

Please have all nominations to the committee members before this date.

Remember to double check the Library hours!

We have an amazing range of publications available for sale at the BGA Library. You might just uncover the missing link you've been looking for.

Check it out now!

This year Drinan District Hall and School are celebrating their centenary. In September 2026 this will be celebrated with a book launch and afternoon tea at the location itself!

More information will become available as we have final times and dates confirmed.

Want to know if your family was part of the Drinan District or attended the school? Check out the Drinan District website for more information.

The book released on the day is on Drinan District, the hall, school and residents. It includes photos and stories from newspapers and residents.

This project couldn't have happened without the generous grant from History Queensland Inc.

We understand that travel at this time can be a concern. Sharing transport and related costs could be an option for you.

The BGA Trivia Night will be held on the 16th October 2026.

More details to come as the time approaches.

There is a call for nominations for the position of Treasurer.

Nominations are due in on Monday, 8th June 2026 (5 days prior to the Annual General Meeting on the 13th June).

Please have all nominations to the committee members before this date.

Please note that the Library isn't open that day. Please double check the Library hours.

We're looking forward to seeing you all after your Easter break.

Don't forget, Saturday 11th April at 1pm. Bring a plate to share if you're able. Tea and coffee provided!

As usual, it's at the BGA Library.

See you there!

Family Ties March Edition (Volume 29: No 3) Out Now!

View your copy, or find a back copy,  here.

The Library has kicked off the year on the 27th January 2026 at 12pm to 2.30pm.

It's back to its normal hours. You can find all the details here.

Don't forget the meeting on Saturday at 1pm, 14th February.

Bring your latest family finds and a plate to share. Tea and coffee provided. See you there!

It's old news, but for those who missed it, the Library will reopen on the 27th January 2026 at 12pm to 2.30pm.

It returns to it's normal hours. All the details about the library can be found here.

Can't find what you're looking for? Feel free to contact us.

The Drinan District website is now live. You can view it here.

For queries and contributions, please send them to drinandistict@gmail.com  

BGA was the recipient of a grant under the 2025 History Queensland Small Grants Program to research, collate and have records available for the public on Drinan School-Hall.

Further details will be available in the coming months. Please contact us if you require immediate information.

Volunteers needed to help clean the library.

8am (before it gets too hot) - Monday 19th January 2026

We all use the library, so even the smallest contribution will be appreciated.

Please bring your own cleaning items. This may include a bucket, cloths and some general household cleaner, or similar.

Morning tea will be provided.

Congratulations to the winners of the BGA's 2025 Christmas Raffle.

First Prize:  Painting by Beris Woodrow valued $1,000

Winner: Deryk

Second Prize: $30 Voucher 

Winner: Helen

Thanks to everyone who continues to support us!

Winners will be contacted directly. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Stephanie Ryan of the State Library of Queensland has provided new information regarding the recent upgrade of the indexes in One Search> advanced > family history indexes and the possibility of seeing the original records in the Parliamentary Papers.

 Her direct quote;

'it is now possible to connect, in many of them, to the original material, rather than having to go to the microfilm.

This means in the case of Persons called before Government Committees 1860-1920, that not only can you access the direct words of someone giving evidence and information about them, you may find nowhere else, but also you can pick up significant detail about places and events.

 For instance, a search for Barcaldine shows that there are 260 records for victuallers' licences, 1901-1914; 20 records for soldiers' portraits; 42 records for national service records and 11 records for a government inquiry. It is therefore worth adding the word 'inquiry' to 'Barcaldine' in the search box. The inquiry relates to the meat industry not just in Barcaldine but in other parts of Queensland. However, 4 people from Barcaldine gave evidence and, in the process, they let us know in their own words, about themselves and conditions in Barcaldine at the time.

 Apart from this convenient direct access and special personal and local information, the documents are keyword searchable - easier than a microfilm search.

 In relation to the extension of railways many people gave evidence for a specific route. This is an area in which I know Caloundra is interested so it is possible to explore beyond the names of those giving evidence to the conditions giving rise to the development of railways in a particular area.

 These family history records, for the most part, are significantly enhanced.'

Thanks to Valerie Thornton from History Queensland for passing on this information.

CLOSED

Don't miss out!

Tickets Only $1 

First Prize: A generously donated painting by Beris Woodrow valued at $1,000, framed and ready to hang. See a close up, unaltered photograph of the painting here. Please note colours may vary depending on your screen settings.

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase in the BGA rooms from Thursday (16th Oct 2025). They'll also be on sale at Trivia Night on Friday, 17th Oct.

Raffle will be drawn on the 13th December 2025. Winners will contacted directly.

Second prize: $30 voucher

Please contact us if you have questions.

** EVENT OVER **

Where: Bundaberg Bowls Club Quay Street near old bridge

When: Doors open 6.30 Starts 7.30 sharp.

Cost: $5 per person. Max. 6 people per table.

Plus: Raffle & Cent sale.

Light refreshments served

There has been a letter sent to people regarding the postal bans and tariff changes in America. This will effect postage of the of DNA samples and/or results.

Please check with your local post office on the rules if you are sending thorough any test samples and/or receiving results with DNA testing companies. 

Alison Rogers was a long standing and beloved BGA member. Her funeral was held at 10am Wednesday 6th August 2025, at Des Allan's Funerals, Phiebe St, Kenginston Bundaberg Qld. She was put to rest with her husband in the Bundaberg Returned Services section in a private burial service.