Goulburn Valley Libraries Trove workshops
Trove brings communities together, and not just online. We often hear about local communities coming together to research and learn about Trove. Goulburn Valley Libraries is a Trove Partner that is helping support their community by running regular Trove workshops.
Goulburn Valley Libraries has 11 branches and a mobile library service providing library services to the government areas in regional Victoria of Moira Shire, Greater Shepparton and Strathbogie Shire. This area spans approximately 9,800 square kilometres and caters to a population of 110,000. In comparison, the greater Melbourne area covers roughly the same area with a population of over 5 million.
The branches run Trove workshops that aim to support their local community members to get started with research, whatever their interest may be. The region is primarily comprised of farming communities and small towns and each area has its own history, needs and personalities. Accordingly, workshops are catered to community needs. For example, following WW1 migration from southern Europe to the area supported the establishment of the region’s fruit farming industry. Some communities in the region have a strong connection through similar family experiences. Goulburn Valley Libraries will adjust the examples they use based on knowledge of these community interests.

The workshops are regularly family history themed and assume no prior knowledge. The library staff take attendees through birth, death and marriage announcements and methods that are helpful when searching for names and dates. Then, the attendees' interests guide how the workshop continues. This could be exploring articles or reports of events that their ancestors were involved in or uncovering more branches in their family tree.
In a region full of rivers and with a history of seasonal flooding, drowning has been an unwelcome part of the local communities’ experience. Research through Trove resources has uncovered how the news of these events spread across the nation. This broader reporting has provided an opportunity for greater insights into the region.
‘We found that local drownings often appeared in papers outside the region, sometimes even interstate, which increased the opportunity for researchers to find information. An example of this included a drowning in the newly established community of Murchison in 1882. Even now, a drowning in the small community would be devastating but to see the articles, how much information was reported, and how far away it was reported, reflected on not just the community where the drowning took place but also interest throughout Australia in similar incidents.’ – Bronwyn Cole, Program Coordinator.
When they’re not family history related, these workshops might cover larger historic events that are of interest. Cyclone Tracy is one such event with a wealth of resources available on Trove. Not only news reports, but also information about the government and broader communities' response, resources that were sent and services that were involved.

‘We encourage people to chat about their research experiences or share examples. It’s a great opportunity for people to meet others with a similar interest and also to learn from each other.’ – Bronwyn Cole, Program Coordinator.
A passion for history seems to be a common reason to participate. Family history is a frequent topic of interest however it is not the only reason to attend. Interest in specific period in Australia’s history or a particular event is also common. The librarians have also helped people looking for assistance researching a book they are writing.
‘We haven’t had anyone return to us with a book they have written yet, but we are hopeful! I’m sure they are being worked on right now and in the future our libraries will be hosting author events for people that have done their research using Trove.’ – Bronwyn Cole, Program Coordinator.