Council is holding a number of free family history research workshops in May, including the first-ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workshop for the region.

The workshops are being held due to strong interest from the community and will take place at Tuggerah and Bateau Bay Libraries.

Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said researching family history helps us to gain a sense of who we are and where we have come from.

“Tracing ancestors and finding out about extended family enables us to build a strong sense of place and identity in the community,” Ms Vaughan said.

Staff from the Indigenous Services Branch of the NSW State Library will lead the two hour session and will explain why research needs to start in the present and work backwards.

They will cover resources and techniques needed to search library collections and other significant resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history.

Language materials, pictures, manuscripts, missionary records and electoral rolls will be discussed at the free workshop, which will take place on 3 May from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Tuggerah Library.

Martyn Killion from NSW State Archives and Records will run a workshop on The Colonial Secretary’s Records on 17 May from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Tuggerah Library.

The Colonial Secretary’s records form part of the Archives Resources Kit, which contains more than 1565 items, including microfilms and immigration records.

Tuggerah Library is one of a select pool of libraries across the state that holds part of the kit and Gosford Library is one of only 40 libraries in NSW to hold a full kit.

A workshop for those who are new to family history research will also be held on 4 May from 10.30am to 12pm at Bateau Bay Library.

Council Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds said Central Coast Library Service holds a range of family history workshops throughout the year.

“We encourage residents to join their local library and take advantage of these free workshops,” Mr Reynolds said.

Bookings are essential for all workshops.

Please call Tuggerah Library on 4350 1560 or Bateau Bay Library on 4350 1580.