Just a few weeks ago the Coronavirus (COVID-19) was an unknown thing. Another news story from the other side of the world. However this epidemic (now pandemic) has gone global, and it is majorly serious with thousands of people having died from it already.
There is no doubt that these are extraordinary times, and that the world we know has changed. In a bid to slow the spread of the virus, many countries around the world have not only closed borders and cancelled flights, but they are also closing or are limiting their hours to businesses and organisation including those in the history and genealogy world. So to help you know what’s open and what’s not, I have decided to compile a listing of the Australian based ones who have issued statements relating to this.
The notes below each entry are as as provided by the organisation, together with the date it was last updated. I’ve included the website for each entry so you can check the latest advice there, or search for their Facebook page, as it’s usually on there as well.
All organisations listed thank you for your understanding and patience at this difficult time.
This page will be updated regularly as more information on other places and updates from those already listed come to hand. If you would like to submit any details for more organisations, please email Alona at alona@gould.com.au.
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AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/ (as of 23 March 2020)
As a result of the latest national health advice, the Memorial is closed to the public from Tuesday, 24 March 2020 until further notice. The health and safety of our visitors, veteran community, staff and volunteers remains top priority for the Australian War Memorial. With the COVID-19 situation rapidly evolving, updated public information will be made available on our website and social media channels. This year the Memorial will hold a private, nationally televised Anzac Day commemorative service. This service will be held in the Commemorative Area and Hall of Memory on Anzac Day. The traditional Dawn Service, National Ceremony and veterans’ march will not take place.
Family History ACT https://familyhistoryact.org.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
Following the announcement by the Prime Minister, that all non-essential services be closed, the HAGSOC Library and Education Room will close until further notice. These include all SIGs, SUGs, education and networking events were previously cancelled. Keep an eye on the website for further information.
National Archives of Australia https://www.naa.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
Due to the potential impact of Covid-19, all National Archives of Australia offices are now closed to the public until further notice. All planned events for March and April this year are also cancelled. We will keep you informed on any further decisions made regarding the events program.
National Film and Sound Archive https://www.nfsa.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
As a precautionary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic we have made the decision to cancel our education programs from today, as well as our on-site screenings, exhibitions and special events from 4pm Wednesday 18 March until 30 April 2020. Our building will not be open to the public during this period. The NFSA is taking this decision to help safeguard the health and safety of visitors and staff, as well as the broader community. The doors may be temporarily closed but we are always open online. We have content for Kids, Animal Lovers, Music fans, Film buffs & lots more. You can explore what’s available online at the NFSA, see more in the link below. https://bit.ly/2U8ORjH
National Library of Australia https://www.nla.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
Due to the need to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Library building has been closed to visitors until further notice – this includes our reading rooms, exhibition galleries, Bookshop and cafes. To help you to explore our digital community, we have made a short video to introduce you to your online library. We hope this eases your journey into our online world, provides moments to delight you and encourages you to explore our collection. We will continue to use our services to inform and encourage reflection during these extraordinary times. Stay connected with us on our digital platforms and our social media channels. Read more: https://bit.ly/2wlabtq
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NEW SOUTH WALES
Australian National Maritime Museum https://www.sea.museum/ (updated 23 March 2020)
In the interest of public health and safety and as a precaution the museum, along with many other cultural institutions in Australia, will be temporarily closed until further notice. The closure takes effect from 9am on the 24th of March 2020.
The Australiana Pioneer Village https://www.theapv.org.au/ (updated 19 March 2020)
Given the current situation iwth COVID-19 and the need to comply with Health Department Regulations The Australiana Pioneer Village will be closed until further notice. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support and wish you all well – please stay safe everyone. We look forward to seeing you all again as soon as possible.
Botany Bay Family History Society http://www.botanybayfhs.org.au/ (updated 14 March 2020)
After a survey of many volunteers and talks with Committee it has been decided that as a duty of care to our members due to the Coronavirus, the research centre will be closed from Monday 16th March until further notice. If anyone has any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us at botanybayfhs@yahoo.com.au.
Hawkesbury Family History Group http://www.hawkesbury.net.au/community/hfhg/ (updated 1 April 2020)
As you would have expected, the next Hawkesbury Family History Group meeting, scheduled for Wednesday 8 April, has been cancelled. According to the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020, under the Public Health Act 2010 we will not be meeting again until the restrictions are lifted. We are sorry for the inconvenience and hope to catch up soon. In the meantime we have made the latest Hawkesbury Crier (March 2020) freely available, see http://www.hawkesbury.net.au/community/hfhg/crier/pdf/2020_1Q_Mar.pdf.
History Council NSW https://historycouncilnsw.org.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
During this challenging time of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we are doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of our staff, our volunteers, speakers, members & the public. We have cancelled/postponed the following:
1. The History Council of NSW & the Professional Historians Association NSW have therefore cancelled the ‘Careers in History’ event (25th March 2020) and are aiming to reschedule it later in the year. All individuals who have purchased a ticket/s to ‘Careers in History’ will be refunded.
2. Newcastle Writers Festival – HCNSW Panel ‘Captain Cook & the Frontier Wars’ (4 April 2020)
3. Sydney Writers Festival – HCNSW Panel ‘Transformational Histories: Rewriting the histories we thought we knew’ (29 April 2020)
We extend our deepest apologies to all members & individuals for any inconvenience caused & wish you good health! We are investigating new, potentially innovative ways of getting these events to you.
History Goulburn (formerly Goulburn District Historical and Genealogical Society) https://www.gmlibrary.com.au/Local-Studies-Family-History.aspx (updated 22 March 2020)
History Goulburn President Jennifer Lamb has asked me to advise you of the following actions the Committee has agreed to take due to the current health crisis. The General Meeting on 26 March will be cancelled. The Research Centre will be closed to the public until further notice. Members of the public will be able to seek research information by email (historygoulburn2580@gmail.com or wollondillynet@gmail.com) or on the History Goulburn Facebook page. However, financial members will be able to undertake their own research at the Research Centre, provided they take all precautions necessary to protect their health and the health of others and follow hygiene instructions.
Hornsby Family History Group http://hornsbysfhg.wordpress.com/ (updated 17 & 23 March 2020)
This morning I was advised of the arrangements Hornsby Council/Library were putting in place for the period up to the end of April (at this stage).
HSFHG meeting Wednesday 18 March – cancelled – members were emailed yesterday.
Research/discussion meeting Wednesday 25 March – cancelled
HSFHG meeting Wednesday 15 April – cancelled
Research/discussion meeting Wednesday 22 April – cancelled
Family history volunteers – service cancelled for March and April
Hornsby Library is now closed [UPDATED]
As you are aware, the circumstances seem to be changing minute by minute, if not day by day. At least now you know arrangements for March and April. If there are any changes or extension to the above I will let you know as soon as I know. In the meantime, keep safe and healthy. Enjoy some extra research time.
Lake Macquarie Family History Group https://www.lmfhg.org.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
In the interests of the safety of our members, guests, speakers and volunteers the Committee of the LMFHG has decided to cancel all face to face meetings of the Group scheduled for March and April. We will review events scheduled for May and beyond in mid April.
Nepean Family History Society http://www.nepeanfhs.org.au/ (as at 23 March 2020)
Due to COVID-19, Nepean Family History Society’s Library is closed and all meetings have been cancelled until further notice.
Newcastle Family History Society https://www.nfhs.org.au/ (updated 19 March 2020)
With regret, the NFHS rooms will be closed for members and the public from 20 March 2020, until further notice. Everything including the AGM and general meetings, library days, events, courses and all volunteer groups are in recess until further notice.
New South Wales State Archives & Records https://www.records.nsw.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
The Western Sydney Records Centre Reading Room will be closed temporarily effective from 9am Tuesday 24 March 2020. At this stage, we will be maintaining our copy and enquiry services as well as essential services to our government agency clients. Please direct any enquiries to info@records.nsw.gov.au or (02) 9673 1788. We will continue to provide updates to our services via our website and social media.
Royal Australian Historical Society https://www.rahs.org.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
In response to the emerging developments with the COVID-19 virus, the RAHS has decided to postpone all our public events, beginning this week for the next 4-6 weeks. As a precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we suggest that our members and friends do not visit History House unless absolutely necessary. You are most welcome to call or email beforehand, so that your matter can be resolved without you needing to visit. We will continue to monitor this important issue and keep you updated. If you have any concerns please speak to our team on (02) 9247 8001 or contact us by reply email.
Society of Australian Genealogists https://www.sag.org.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
SAG has been adjusting our operations in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak, prioritising the health and well-being of our members, volunteers and staff. All of our face-to-face events are suspended until end of April at this time. Webinars are replacing face-to-face where possible – please visit the Events page of our website for what is available: https://www.sag.org.au/events. Our Library & Research Centre will be CLOSED to members and the public from Tuesday 24 March through to Saturday 11 April 2020 – we will review this before the Easter Break and update our members as soon as possible. Member resources on the website are being updated and we have created a special CONNECT ONLINE page in the Members Area showcasing the latest additions available. Staff will be working from home when possible so please bear with us as we adjust some of our processes and systems at this time. Email is the best method to get in touch with us.
State Library New South Wales https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/ (updated 22 March 2020)
The State Library will close to the public tomorrow until further notice to help protect the health of all visitors and staff and minimise the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the State. This pandemic is a time of great challenge and disruption for all of us, and many of us are very concerned at the thought of being isolated from one another. Please remember that while our doors may be closed, we at the Library – along with our friends in public libraries around the state – will be doing our best to keep you stimulated and connected, even when faced with self-isolation. We encourage you to continue to visit us online to access thousands of free ebooks, newspapers, journals and other resources from home using your Library card. You can also listen to podcasts, help transcribe our oral histories and explore a wide range of digital stories. Any new information about the operations of the Library in the days and weeks ahead will be published here and on our social media channels.
Sydney Living Museums https://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
Sydney Living Museums will today close to the public until further notice to help protect the health of all visitors and staff and minimise the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the State. This includes: Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, Elizabeth Bay House, Elizabeth Farm, Hyde Park Barracks, Justice & Police Museum, Meroogal, The Mint, Museum of Sydney, Rose Seidler House, Rouse Hill Estate, Susannah Place, and Vaucluse House. All onsite restaurants and cafes will also be closed and all bookings for Sydney Living Museums venues will be suspended until further notice. All public programs have been suspended until further notice including onsite learning programs, performances, talks, walking tours, along with all school holiday and vacation care activities. The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff, volunteers and the community is a priority. We are taking these steps as a public health precaution in support of measures to contain COVID-19. Any update to these restrictions will be communicated by the NSW Government in due course.
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QUEENSLAND
Cairns Family History https://cdfhs.org/ (updated 20 March 2020)
To keep our Research Assistants, Members and Community Users safe and healty during the Covid-19 pandemic the Committee of Family Family History has taken the folling decisions:
– All events and DNA Interest Group and Drop-In Clinincs are cancelled
– The Centre will not open on Saturdays
– We will open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday still, but there will be noResearch Assistants to help
– Computers will be limited to allow for the ‘Soial Distancing’ of 1.5m
– Keyboard, mouse and table to be wiped before and after use with disinectant and paper towell that will be provided
As the situation changes daily, we will constantly assess the situation, and should this change we will let you know.
Caloundra Family History Research https://caloundrafamilyhistory.org.au/ (updated 18 March 2020)
All meetings are cancelled and the library is closed. This will be reviewed mid-April. Some Interest Groups will be meeting by email/virtually.
Genealogical Society of Queensland http://gsq.org.au/ (updated 29 March 2020)
GSQ is closed until further notice. Members will be notified when it reopens.
New Farm & Districts Historical Society https://newfarmhistorical.org.au/ (updated 26 March 2020)
Considering the pandemic situation, I am sure that it will come as the increasing gravity of the no surprise to hear that the committee, after carefully considering the implications of holding the cinema event on 28 March, has decided that it would be wiser to cancel the gathering. The committee also considered future public meetings on the fourth Saturday of each month. Given that the current thinking is that the peak of the infection in Queensland may not come for several months, the decision has been made to cancel the meeting on Anzac Day, 25 April. Details about future monthly meetings will be conveyed by email or posted mail.
Queensland Family History Society https://www.qfhs.org.au/ (updated 22 March 2020)
The QFHS Library and Resource Centre is closed at present due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation – but our Online Access offers great value to members.
We have MyHeritage access from home, presentations, news and journals, and datasets which are NOT available on Findmypast, MyHeritage, FamilySearch or Ancestry.
While we’re closed, new members can join by paying membership only, without the usual one-off joining fee: use the discount code “COVID-19” here https://www.qfhs.org.au/join…/join-qfhs-or-renew-membership/
Queensland State Archives https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/arts/heritage/archives (updated 23 March 2020)
To help ensure the health and safety of the community, from 9am 24 March our Reading Room will be closed until further notice. In the meantime, we will continue to provide a number of ways to search, discover and engage with the archival collection online. We are not running public events, guided tours and public programs until further notice. Everyone will still be able to access our online catalogue ArchivesSearch. Our copying services will still be available for anyone who wants to order a copy of the archival records. There are also many ways to discover the collection, via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as well as Flickr, Q-Album, WordPress, Youtube and Image Queensland. We will continue to post updates to our services on social media and on our website.
State Library of Queensland https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
State Library closed to public from 12 noon 23 March 2020. For the safety of our community, State Library of Queensland will temporarily close to the public from 12 noon 23 March 2020. This closure includes The Edge and Anzac Square Memorial Galleries. Our online service will remain unchanged. At this stage a reopening date has not been agreed, however, we will provide advice in the coming weeks. On 18 March, we cancelled all public events and programs until further notice. If you have paid for an upcoming event, a refund will be made.
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SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Adelaide Northern District Family History Group http://www.andfhg.org.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
In light of the ever-increasing Coronavirus cases in South Australia, it has been decided in order to protect our vulnerable audience members, this month’s scheduled Talk Day is cancelled. At the same time, we are also suspending all future Talk Days, Research Thursdays and User Groups until further notice. Members will be advised when Talk Days and User Groups will resume again.We apologise for any inconvenience, and hope that members will understand our reasons for this decision.
Fleurieu Peninsula Family History Group https://fleurieufamilyhistory.org/ (updated 15 March 2020)
In consultation with the members of the Executive Committee I make the following statement:- “In light of the ever-increasing Coronavirus cases in South Australia, it has been decided in order to protect our vulnerable audience members, all scheduled activities have been cancelled until further notice.” It is with all members health in mind we have made this difficult decision. As we are being constantly reminded of the precautions we need to make this is the best decision for all. Please listen to these cautions and look after yourself and family. We will be in touch with you when we feel it is safe to resume our activities. If you have any questions please contact myself or a member of the Committee as listed in your copy of “Relative Thoughts”.
Genealogy SA https://genealogysa.org.au/ (updated 18 March 2020)
SAGHS Council has taken the decision that given the age profile and vulnerability of our members to viruses such as the Coronavirus, the Genealogy SA Library will be closed from 5pm 18 March 2020 until further notice. In the meantime, researchers CAN, and are encouraged to, continue to access the Catalogue, Database Search other online resources via our website, and can email or phone enquiries via office.admin@saghs.org.au or phone 08 8272 4222. For new membership and renewals please use our website or email saghs.members@saghs.org.au or phone 08 8272 4222. Also, as previously announced, Special Interest Groups, courses and seminars will be postponed for the foreseeable future. This will be reviewed after Easter when a decision will be made on whether to extend the cancellations for a further period.
History Trust of South Australia https://history.sa.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
As of March 23, 2020, The History Trust of South Australia will close all of its public sites, including National Motor Museum, South Australian Maritime Museum, Migration Museum and Centre of Democracy until further notice. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the situation, we will not announce a reopening date at this time and will be providing regular updates via our website and social media channels.
Pioneers Association of South Australia https://www.pioneerssa.org.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
At the recent PASA Council meeting Council discussed the implications of the COVID-19 virus for PASA’s activities. It was the unanimous decision of the Councillors present to cancel all PASA events planned until the end of July.
South East Family History Group https://www.sefhg.org (updated 24 March 2020)
In view of the heightened concern regarding the coronavirus situation, the committee has reluctantly decided to shut the centre for research on Wednesdays and Saturdays until further notice. This also includes out general meetings, which are held on the fourth Thursday of each month. As our AGM had to be cancelled, it has been decided to continue on as normal with the current committee and reschedule for a later date, when the situation becomes clearer.
State Library of South Australia https://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
As COVID-19 continues to challenge our operation and delivery of public services the State Library has responded decisively in the interests of both public and staff safety. The following services and areas of the State Library are now suspended as of 8pm 17 March 2020:
– The Reference Library
– Information Desk
– Group Meeting Rooms
– Family History
– Reading Room
The Mortlock Wing, Institute Building and Exhibition spaces are still open to the public. Please note new opening times will be 10am to 6pm until further notice. All State Library public events have been suspended until further notice.
State Records SA https://archives.sa.gov.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
In light of COVID-19 and in the interests of health and safety, State Records has made the decision to temporarily close its Gepps Cross Research Centre, as of Tuesday 17 March 2020. In the meantime researchers can continue to access our Catalogue, ArchivesSearch, other online resources via our website, or use the online enquiry service available on our website. Please keep an eye on our website and social media accounts for updates.
Tea Tree Gully and District Historical Society http://ttghistoricalsociety.org.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
All March and April meetings cancelled in light of coronavirus. Further information as it comes to hand, that will be a carefully washed hand I might add.
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TASMANIA
Libraries Tasmania https://www.libraries.tas.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
Based on recent Public Health advice, we have made the difficult decision to cancel upcoming programs, courses and events in our libraries from Wednesday, 18 March 2020. We’re disappointed to have to do this, but we believe it’s the best way we can support the health and wellbeing of our visitors, staff, volunteers and broader community. We are cancelling all programs and events where people gather in rooms or spaces that do not allow them to observe social distancing protocols.
Consistent with national advice, Libraries Tasmania recommends the following for our visitors and staff:
- Those who have been in contact with any confirmed case of COVID-19 should not attend the library and remain isolated in their homes for 14 days following exposure.
- From 21 March 2020, anyone returning from overseas or interstate, apart from people classified as essential travellers, must self-quarantine for 14 days.
- Anyone who thinks they may have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 is required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Tasmanian Family History Society: Hobart http://www.hobart.tasfhs.org/ (updated 16 March 2020)
There will be NO MEETING of the Hobart branch next Tuesday, March 17. The scheduled speaker, Michael Holmes, has agreed to come back later but no new date has been decided yet. We apologize for any inconvenience but trust you will understand how seriously the COVID-19 virus is affecting many organizations and events. We will advise of a new date as widely as possible. Keep an eye on the branch’s website, and the branch’s Facebook page. Members with email will receive information through the branch’s email newsletter.
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VICTORIA
Bendigo Family History Group https://www.bendigofamilyhistory.org/ (updated 19 March 2020)
The Bendigo Goldfields Library is presently closed until further notice, which means that the Bendigo Family History Group is closed too.
Descendants of Convicts Victoria https://www.docs.org.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
Due to concerns in relation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Committee have agreed to cancel our events scheduled through until our November meeting at this stage. The Committee are concerned for the health of our members as the majority are of an age group most vulnerable to the virus and our members’ health is paramount. So stay fit and healthy and maintain recommendations put forward by the Health authorities and we will advise members of any changes as they occur.
Eureka Centre Ballarat https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/ (updated 16 March 2020)
The City of Ballarat is temporarily closing its public facilities, including the Eureka Centre Ballarat indefinitely, from 5pm today to help protect our community against COVID-19.
Family History Connections (formerly AIGS) https://familyhistoryconnections.org.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
The FHC Resource Centre will close today and remain closed while we all manage the social distancing asked of us. There will be NO classes, seminars or talks and NO Interest Group meetings during the period of closure. Now is a good time to access MyHeritage from home via the FHC members website, and look up all those indexes you’ve saved “for later”. We know you will understand that the safety of volunteers and members is uppermost in our minds.
Geelong Regional Libraries and Heritage Centre https://www.grlc.vic.gov.au/ (updated 17 March 2020)
The Geelong Regional Library Corporation will be closing ALL library branches and mobile libraries on Wednesday 18 March (at the usual branch closing time) until at least Tuesday 14 April 2020, to try to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) within our communities.
We will continue to monitor the situation daily and appreciate your patience and understanding. To find out more about our approach to this unprecedented situation, please visit www.grlc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
Genealogical Society of Victoria https://www.gsv.org.au/ (updated 25 March 2020)
On Monday March 23 it was decided that the GSV Centre, both the library and the office, would close from today Wed March 25 until further notice. All member queries to the GSV are to be directed to the email: gsv@gsv.org.au. Staff will continue to work from home. Subscriptions can be paid by usual methods excepting via telephone. Research Requests including quick lookups will be processed where possible. We will endeavour to maintain regular contact with our members and provide them with updates and information to help with doing their family history research at home. We are currently working on supplying more online content for members, so keep an eye on the website for updates. Please keep safe and enjoy the time at home doing your family history.
Heidelberg Historical Society https://www.heidelberghistoricalsociety.com.au/ (updates 17 March 2020)
The Museum and Research Room at Heidelberg Historical Society are closed until further notice on account of the coronavirus pandemic. Members are encouraged to use the online resources available at this website for research, and for news about further developments. We can be reached by email at heidelberg.historical.society@gmail.com.
Kilmore Historical Society https://kilmorehistory.wordpress.com/ (updated 24 March 2020)
Due to the changing government advice regarding COVID 19 the Committee of our Society decided to close our research rooms at the old Kilmore Courthouse from Monday 23 March 2020, for the foreseeable future. We will be able to continue limited research service by email. But it may take longer to undertake the research. Please keep safe and follow the government’s advice.
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victora https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au (updated 27 March 2020)
Further to updated on 26 March, as a result of COVID-19, the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria’s customer service centre and call centre are closed until further notice. Genealogists can continue to perform online family history searches through our website and apply for downloadable uncertified historical certificates. However, applications for historical printed certificates will not be processed until further notice.
You may continue to utilise our ‘Ask a family history expert’ service.We thank you for your understanding and will provide an update when available.
State Library of Victoria https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/ (updated 15 March 2020)
We’ve made the difficult decision to close all public spaces from 16 March until further notice, and cancel or postpone upcoming Library programs until at least 13 April 2020. We’re really sad to close our doors but feel this is the best preventative measure to support the health and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and volunteers, as well as the broader community. You can still access Library collections online and Ask a Librarian for help with research and inquiries.
VicGUM https://www.vicgum.asn.au/ (updated 28 March 2020)
We have been advised that the venue for our Sunday events, the Masonic Hall, is closing and will not reopen until at least April/May. Obviously, the reopening date will depend on the circumstances at that time. For the safety of members, the VicGUM Committee has also reluctantly taken the decision to close the new VicGUM Support Centre, at Suite 4, 318 Stephensons Road, Mount Waverley, VIC 3149, until further notice. Whilst we have been forced into “hibernation”, your Committee and all members continue to remain available for technical support or help. The letterbox and telephone answering system will be monitored, but for prompt support, please email info@vicgum.asn.au . Online payments and ordering through our website remain available. Family Tree Maker User Groups at Mount Waverley, both day and night groups, are also in abeyance until further notice.
Victoria Archives Centre https://prov.vic.gov.au/ (updated 30 March 2020)
As previously announced, the Victorian Archives Centre, and archive centres in Ballarat, Geelong and Bendigo, are now temporarily closed. We will closely monitor the advice from the Victorian Government and Victorian Chief Health Officer and keep you all updated about plans to reopen. In the meantime, our catalogue is still available to search at prov.vic.gov.au with digitised collection items available online. For Government record retrievals, previously we had communicated that we would be able to service Government requests as per normal. However, all staff of Public Record Office Victoria are now working from home until further notice. This means that no staff are on site to undertake normal records picking and courier collection activities. However, we are committed to ensuring that any records required urgently can be made available. As special staffing arrangements will need to be made on a case-by-case basis, we ask that these order requests are only made where absolutely essential, via our online enquiry form.
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WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Family History WA (formerly WAGS) http://membership.wags.org.au/ (updated 18 March 2020)
To protect the health of our Volunteers, Members, and Visitors the Society has decided to close the FHWA Library and Research Centre from 5pm on Saturday, 21st March until the end of May. At that point we will review the situation and see if we need to remain closed or if we can resume operating the library again.
Margaret River and Districts Historical Society https://mrdhs.com.au/ (updated 19 March 2020)
The Margaret River and Districts Historical Society is taking measures to minimise the contamination risk of COVID-19 to volunteers and members of the public. We are closely monitoring the situation and are following WA Health and Federal government guidelines and it is with regret that we are now closed until further notice.
Museum of Perth www.museumofperth.com.au (updated 19 March 2020)
Museum of Perth Gallery temporarily closing. The Board of the Perth History Association Inc. has today decided to close the Museum of Perth’s Gallery at 8-10 The Esplanade from tomorrow (Friday 20th onwards). This necessary decision is made in order to protect our most precious assets; our wonderful volunteers as well as our loyal visitors and supporters. Head to our website for a huge variety of online content to keep you busy!
Royal Western Australian Historical Society https://histwest.org.au/ (updated 18 March 2020)
The Society has resolved that all general meetings, community talks, council meetings, events and group visits are cancelled until the end of April. Stirling House remains open to staff and volunteers, and members who are involved with the work of the Society. You are welcome to to drop in individually if you need some purchase or assistance. Be assured we will endeavour to re-schedule events is at all possible after the crisis is past.
State Library of Western Australia https://www.slwa.wa.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
At 12.00pm today, as part of a nationally consistent approach, all cultural and art institutions in Western Australia will close in the interests of public safety in response to COVID-19. This includes art galleries, theatres, museums, and libraries across the State. While the institutions will be closed to the general public, staff at these institutions will continue to work in the buildings. I understand that these institutions are important elements of our community and temporarily shutting them down will cause hardship for many. However, our best medical advice is that this is a necessary step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. hile the buildings will be closed, work on contingency plans to continue to provide services online are well underway. For information on the services available online, I suggest you consult the websites and social media channels of the relevant cultural institution.
State Records Office of Western Australia http://sro.wa.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
At 12.00pm today (23 March 2020), as part of a nationally consistent approach, all cultural and art institutions in Western Australia will close in the interests of public safety in response to COVID-19. This includes the State Record Office of Western Australia. While the institution will be closed to the general public, staff will continue to work. The SRO is still contactable via email at sro@sro.wa.gov.au and through our online services. Please note that while requests for digitisation of State archives will still be processed as usual, requests to view archives in person in the SRO Search Room will not be able to be fulfilled until the Search Room is re-opened.
Western Australia Museum https://www.museum.wa.gov.au/ (updated 23 March 2020)
As part of a nationally consistent approach, all cultural and art institutions in Western Australia are closed in the interests of public safety in response to COVID-19. This includes the WA Maritime Museum, WA Shipwrecks Museum, Museum of the Goldfields, Museum of the Great Southern, Museum of Geraldton and Gwoonwardu Mia. We continue to provide services online – visit us at www.museum.wa.gov.au. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.
