AFTC June 2017It was only back in a couple of months ago that Australia’s Inside History magazine made the announcement to cease printing. Now we have more big (but very sad) news from Australian genealogy magazine scene.

The following comes from Michele Stephens, Editor of the Australian Family Tree Connections Magazine and was written in the June 2017 issue.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I have to announce this is the last issue I will be editing. Unfortunately, I am not well and must do something I thought I would never do … retire!

As you know, this magazine has been my passion since I created it 25 years ago and I always envisaged publishing and editing it until the end of my days but, sadly, that is not to be. I need to slow down and learn to enjoy taking it easy – a challenge, as I was simply not built to be idle!

Of course, before I step down forever, I will be doing everything in my power to enable the magazine to continue ‘under new management’ which might even include a ‘hand over’ period where I function for a few months as ‘consulting editor’. All options are open for consideration.My inconvenient health, of course means that there may be a delay between this and the next issue, however I will keep you updated via our website – click on the news button to see the latest.

And, as this may be my last opportunity, I must record my immense gratitude to all our subscribers, readers and advertisers for your steadfast loyalty and participation – it could not have existed without you. It has been an absolute joy to produce the magazine each month, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

My very best wishes to everyone for many more family connections.
Michele Stephens, Editor”

With thousands and thousands of readers right across Australia and New Zealand over the past 25 years, the Australian Family Tree Connections magazine proved that there is a need for an Australian genealogy magazine. And since none were around back then, Michele created it, and ran it continued until now!

As she writes above, “before I step down forever, I will be doing everything in my power to enable the magazine to continue under new management” … so we’ll have to see what happens, but let’s hope this isn’t the end of Australia’s longest running genealogy magazine.

For anyone who is interested in back issues of the Australian Family Tree Connections magazine, now is a good time to buy them, as once they’re gone, they’re gone.

http://www.aftc.com.au/