EVENTS
The Genealogical Society of Queensland conducts a program of events including classes, seminars, workshops and education sessions each year to provide our members and visitors with a wide variety of information on family history topics.
Our Special Interest Groups also hold meetings. Members of GSQ are welcome to attend.
See below on How to Book an Event
- This event has passed.
Banished women: convict hardship in colonial NSW
Fascinated to discover her 2x great grandparents, Sarah and Thomas Bell, had been matron and keeper at the Parramatta Female Factory, Sue Bell decided to research their lives. Her ancestors had arrived in Sydney from Ireland in 1832 and four years later were appointed to the factory.
Using records, newspaper reports and the stories of individual convicts from the period, Sue reconstructed their story in her book, Academy for Young Ladies, which reveals what happened as the number of female convicts in the factory grew and the Bells were buffeted by events beyond their control as well as their serious misjudgements.
In her presentation, Sue will provide a background to female factories in colonial NSW and Tasmania and in particular the Parramatta Female Factory, highlight stories of the Bells and the convicts and staff who were in the factory during their administration and then outline the ongoing work of the Parramatta Female Factory Friends which includes seeking world heritage listing after becoming a national heritage site.
Presenter:
Sue Bell
Sue Bell was a librarian, and policy advisor in the Queensland Government. She majored in history when studying for her BA at University of Queensland and has become interested in family history over the last 15 years. She has written articles for the Society of Australian Genealogists’s magazine Descent, GSQ’s Generation, and is a regular contributor to the GSQ blog. She has also contributed to the Parramatta Female Factory Friends’ publication Her Story Series Vol 1, and the regular PFFF newsletter.
Tickets will close at 8am Saturday 14 March 2026
The link is included in your registration payment – Please make sure you retain this.
Registrants will be able to view the recording for the following month.
QFHS and any GSQ Affiliate members you will require to put in your the code given to you to use. (please contact your secretary if you do not know it)
Related Events
How to book an Education Event
If you are a GSQ member you need to Sign In to purchase a ticket.
If you are a QFHS member, an Affiliate or Corporate of GSQ, you must enter the code you have obtained from your secretary into the requested area in order to receive the discount.
Payment Types
Credit/Debit Card:
Can be used online, in person at GSQ or via telephone.
Direct Bank Transfer: Offline
Transfer funds to GSQ’s bank account – details are provided at the time of booking.
Cash: Offline
In person at GSQ
By phone: Offline
Telephone GSQ on 07 3349 6072 during opening hours for EFTPOS credit card payment. BUT you must complete the Online Registration form.
(Payment must received at least 2 days from booking the event)
Remember:
For all courses, bookings are essential and must be completed Online.
Also, please note that the GSQ education program is prepared many months in advance. Occasionally, changes need to be made due to circumstances which are out of GSQ’s control.
Please check the GSQ website Events for up to date information.