The aim of the society is to help people discover their family history. To have appropriate records available, with guidance in ways to research and record their history and genealogy.
The Ballarat & District Genealogical Society Inc. was formed in 1978 as a breakaway group from the Ballarat Historical Society. This move was perceived as making a distinction between local history and family history research.
The inaugural committee consisted of Chairman Keith Rash, Senior Vice-President Alan Howard, Junior Vice-President Graeme Beanland and Honorary Secretary Lois Reynolds. Meetings were then held in the Tippett Library, School of Mines, Lydiard St Sth, Ballarat.
A move was made to the Ballarat City Library in Camp Street at the invitation of the librarian in charge. In 1992 the Society moved into the newly-built library along with our book collection, filing cabinets, microfiche, and other resources. We also had the use of a storeroom for other assets. From then until November 2019, the committee and members met in the meeting room of Ballarat Central Library at 178 Doveton St Nth, Ballarat 3350. No bookings could be made for 2020.
In February 2020 the first ordinary meeting of members was held at Ballarat North Community Centre, 702 Walker Street, Soldiers Hill but in March 2020 all such facilities were closed until further notice to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Please note that the Society's postal address is Ballarat & District Genealogical Society Inc, PO Box 1809, Bakery Hill Mail Centre, Victoria, Australia 3354. Our phone number is 0467 241 352 and our email address is
Members may be available on request to assist other members and newcomers. The Ballarat and District Genealogical Society Inc. collection was housed at the Australiana Research Room Ballarat Central library until mid-2019. From 2020 the collection can be accessed at the Eureka Centre in Ballarat East. Enter through the shop proceed through the cafe and keep going until you come to a 'PROV' sign in the shared space.
Wish to become a Member?
Complete the online application for which will be emailed to you for signing and then send it to our secretary for processing.
The hours have changed
Now greatly reduced to Monday to Thursday only 10.00am - 4.30pm Collection includes: Family histories, references assisting local research, local histories, cemetery records, birth marriage and death records, computer access, electoral rolls, interstate records, directories. Quarterly newsletter Ballarat Link - Feb, May, Aug, Nov Phone: Secretary 0467 241 352