FAMILY History research is one of the biggest growing hobbies today.

The Hervey Bay Family History Association was established to help all who are interested in researching their family story.

A local researcher once said, “I want to preserve the stories, the anecdotes, the memories, and all the information that I have gathered.”

“I want to preserve them and pass them on to my children, for their children, and for the many generations to follow.”

The Association was formed in 1995 with 18 members using the facilities and storage space of Australia’s Immigration & Family History Centre.

This centre was owned by Janet Reakes and Eileen Johnson. Well known, professional genealogists.

On the 22nd May 2000 the Association relocated to the Hervey Bay Library in Old Maryborough Road, Pialba. 

Volunteers make themselves available to assist researchers and over the years they have created a friendly and informative group willing to assist the community. 

The group has gained a reputation Australia wide and overseas for their assistance to those seeking their family history. 

Resources of the Association and the Library are combined.

Volunteers of the group are available in the Hervey Bay Family History room six days a week.  

They have extensive records on Microfilm/fiche, CDs and books in the HBFHA room, to help you trace your family's genealogy. These include local newspapers on microfilm and local cemetery records.

Online research tools such as Ancestry, Find My Past, British Newspapers and many more are also available. 

President of the Association, Lyn Quince, said “During the time that the Library was closed for renovations we were unfortunately only able to provide a limited service.”

“We are now open again and aim to provide an accessible and friendly environment that will encourage people to visit and use the records obtained by the Association.”