Share Your Story for September will be presented by Peter Woodley,  who will share his story of researching and writing his book “We are a Farming class – Dubbo’s Hinterlands, 1870-1950”. Peter has uncovered many fascinating stories of local people whose lives embody the  history of the ‘farmlands’.  He will take the opportunity at our Share Your Story to have his publication launched by our Federal Member Dugald Saunders.  You must book to attend this event on Friday 12th September at 2pm. It will be held in the Auditorium in Western Plains Community Centre on Wingewarra Street Dubbo. Your $8 entry fee includes refreshments after the event, and the chance to chat with Peter.  If you are attending please  email to baretsmiths@bigpond.com by Wednesday 10th September.

Do you have any ancestors with the name Butler? This might be a gathering for you. As well as a variety of genealogy subjects there will be talks about Butlers who have contributed to the early development and history of NSW.  Names such as William Butler a convict on the First Fleet, James Butler who was the butler to John and Elizabeth Macarthur, Laurence Butler and Fernando Butler just to name a few.  You will hear about the Butlers from New Zealand and Argentina. As well, trips to the Elizabeth Farm, the Old Government House and Lancer;s Memorial Museum will be conducted. This event will take place from Friday 17th October to Monday 20th October 2025 and will be based at the Holiday Inn Hotel, at Warwick Farm.  Visit the website www.butlersocietysoutherncrossregion.org or email Alan Squires at squiresa@bigpond.net.au

Something different for our Share Your Story on Friday, 18th July. We have been fortunate to secure Henry Detjen to tell us the story of a group of Germans who emigrated to Australia in the early 1900’s.  They became known as the German Alligator Creek Group who established a settlement  near Jardine, now known as Milman in Queensland.  This is an interesting story of hardship and determination to have a better life in a new land.  Entry will be $8 which includes refreshments after the talk., and your chance to chat to Henry.  It will commence at 2pm in the Drama Room which is upstairs in the Community Arts Centre in the Cultural Centre precinct. Make sure your book in with Lyn by email at baretsmiths@bigpond.com by Wednesday 16th July.

We all search around on the wide world web in our quest to find and confirm our family history. The society will be conducting an information session on Friday,20th June titled “Finding free online genealogical records” .  This session will help you to find many of these sites that could aid you in your quest for information.  It will be held in the Music Room at Western Plains Cultural Centre, commencing at 10.30am. Please book your spot by contacting Lyn on baretsmiths@bigpond.com. There is a cost of $7.50 for members and $15 for non-members.  Numbers will be limited so please make sure you book before Wednesday 17th June.

Our next Share Your Story will be hosted by Steve Clayton. With Anzac Day just passed Steve will share with us stories from his research of his family members involvement in various wars. These range from his father back to his great uncle who all served for the country.  It will be held in the Drama Room upstairs at the Cultural Centre precinct, commencing at 2pm on Friday 16th May. The cost will remain at $8, which includes afternoon tea and a chance to chat. Please advise Lyn Smith that you will be attending by Wednesday, 14th May. Email her at  baretsmiths@bigpond.com,

Our Family History Rooms will be closed on Easter Saturday, 19th  April 2025.