When researching our family history, we sometimes come across characters whose lives may not have proven as pure as the driven snow. How do we report these incidents? Indeed, should we include these aspects at all? What ethics should be considered? On Saturday, 8 August, 2026, fellow members Dr Dot Wickham and patron Dr Jennifer Harrison who have encountered similar problems with their academic research will discuss ‘black sheep’. Dot has published widely on subjects associated with prostitution on the goldfields and Jennifer on transported convicts who broke laws of the land. Both are well aware of many who maintained socially unacceptable habits by continuing their behaviors over many years and locations. These ‘offenders’ all were someone’s son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife or distant relative. We are not delegated to judge our ancestors but can report events as accurately, and, as compassionately as we can. We will also consider moral authority as imposed by dispassionate officials including rehabilitation and reformation attempts set against prescribed punishment regimes. Attention will be drawn to subjects like sexuality, illegitimacy, bigamy, perjury, and institutionalization set against poverty, loneliness and dire economic conditions. Why get involved? Present and future generations might seriously be affected by medical and/or social outcomes. Let us not shame and blame these family members but claim and tame them with acceptance, discretion and kindness.

Presenter:
Dr Jennifer Harrison.

Dr Jennifer Harrison is a research adviser with the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry at The University of Queensland.  Her experience over a generation as Queensland Researcher for the Australian Dictionary of Biography at the Australian National University reinforced her fascination for the people element within family and local history.  She has written the Australian Notebook column for Irish Roots since its inception in 1992 and lectured and published widely on Irish-Australian immigrants – convicts and settlers. While Jennifer currently is caught up in marking the two hundredth anniversary of establishment of the penal colony at Moreton Bay and the genesis of Brisbane Town, she continues to enjoy her role as patron of the Genealogical Society of Queensland.

Presenter:
Dr Dot Whickam

Is a Director of Ballarat Heritage Services, educator, author and historian. In 2003 Dorothy completed a Master of Philosophy about the Ballarat Female refuge (1867-1921) and in 2008 a PhD, “Women of the Ballarat Goldfield 1851-1871: A Case Study in Agency”. She is a member of the Professional Historians’ Associate (Vic & Tas) (Qld) and a visiting fellow at the Harry Gentle Resource Centre, Griffith University (Qld).
Dorothy has overseen many diverse projects and collaborative efforts, including consultancies with local councils, historical groups, educational research projects and universities. She has written, designed, publish and co-authored many books and book chapters, including The Eureka Encyclopaedia, the overall winner of the 2005 Victorian Community History Awards and Women of the Diggings: Ballarat 1854, commended in 2010. She has also assisted in the creation and maintenance of the Eurekapedia Wiki.

Presenter:
Dr Deborah Prior

Deborah began her career as a registered nurse. She entered the academic arena in 1985 teaching undergrad and postgrad nursing students. Her specialist subjects were population health, oncology-palliative care and Indigenous health matters. In 2005, Deborah was awarded a PhD in population health from the University of Queensland.

TICKETS

$21 for GSQ and for QFHS/Affiliate members after applying the discount code
$31 for Non-members

Tickets will close at 8am Saturday 8th Aug 2026

The link is included in your registration payment – Please make sure you retain this.
This event will be recorded and registrants will be able to view the recording for the following month.

QFHS and any GSQ Affiliate/Corporate members you will be required to put in the code given to you to use. This will then action the discount for you. (please contact your secretary if you do not know it. It is NOT your membership number)