Koorie Family History Service

Our Purpose

Knowing who you are and where you come from is an essential part of identity and pride for Koorie people. Koorie people have been dispossessed of this knowledge through the policies and practices of past governments, including the taking away of children from family and Community. Our main purpose is to provide members of the Stolen Generations and their descendants with knowledge of their family tree, family history, culture and Community. We view our role as an important part of building pride and creating a sense of wellbeing in the Koorie Community.

Our Work

Through our Koorie Family History Service, we provide confidential client-based genealogy research. We assist members of the Stolen Generations, Koories in custody and members of the Koorie Community to trace their family history and access records including:

  • Create family trees for members of the Stolen Generations, Koories in custody and members of the Koorie Community
  • Access personal records on behalf of clients from government and non-government agencies
  • Search government archives for information on family members
  • Gain copies of written material that relates to an individual’s family tree and helps to create a sense of their family history
  • Provide cultural information
  • Referrals to support providers
  • Provide family history advice for people searching for their heritage if we are unable to take them on as clients

As part of our work, we have built an extensive database of Koorie family trees and genealogy information. This confidential family tree database is a valuable tool, which our researchers use to assist Koorie clients searching for family, cultural and historical knowledge. We strive to ensure family trees are as accurate as possible.

We have an “open door” policy and will do our best to assist you subject to our program guidelines. If we are unable to take you on as a client, we will provide you with search advice and referrals.

Our Clients

Please Note

  • We can only provide you with a family tree if you meet the criteria and complete our application process.
  • We are unable to take you on as a client if you are under 18.
  • We are not authorised to provide confirmation of Aboriginality. Information about the criteria and process involved can be found on the AIATSIS website.

Contact Us

For more information regarding the application process, please telephone 03 8622 2629 and ask for the Koorie Family History Service or email familyhistory@koorieheritagetrust.com.

All information that you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence.