Voices from the Past: Transforming Your Family Genealogy into a Living Story
Family history is more than lineage — it is lived experience.
I specialise in uncovering the people behind the records, weaving documented research with historical context to create stories that reflect the realities of your ancestors’ lives — their triumphs, struggles, families, and the times that shaped them.
The result is not just a family tree, but a legacy you can understand, preserve, and share.
My Genealogy Story
From Fading Memory to Living History: A journey inspired by the love of my grandmothers
When I was eight years old, I lost the grandmother I knew best — my Nana Moore. I was too young to understand her life beyond the role she played in mine, and over time I found myself struggling to hold onto simple things, like the sound of her voice. Not long before that, I had briefly met Mum’s Mum, Nana Warner, but grief left little space to know her, and she remained a distant figure for several years.
I began to truly know Nana Warner when I was around twelve, after she moved into my Aunty Val’s home. Our visits grew more frequent, and during one stay with us she answered the many questions I had about our family. I wasn’t formally researching yet, but I wrote everything down, already aware that these stories mattered.
She was an intelligent and deeply thoughtful woman who earned a scholarship to an exclusive Catholic school but chose instead to leave her public high school early and begin working. A lover of books and language, she later worked as a proofreader for Angus & Robertson. We shared a love of reading, and her stories made family history feel vivid and alive. Losing her in my early twenties felt far too soon, as though I had only just begun to know her.
Nana Moore’s life was marked by hardship from an early age. She lost her mother at two and was raised by a relative whose care was often distant. Later, she raised her children largely alone, working tirelessly to provide stability. She carried a strength of voice and personality that meant you always knew exactly where you stood, yet beneath that strength was deep tenderness — seen in gestures like sending her grown son a birthday card addressed to “my Dearest little Freddie.” I remember loving visiting, just feeling so close with her.
Through these two very different women, my curiosity took root. What began with a handful of names and unanswered questions grew into a family tree spanning hundreds of direct ancestors and thousands of interconnected lives. Along the way, genealogy became a window into the worlds they lived in, the hardships they endured, and the historical moments that shaped their everyday lives.
I often wonder whether I would have followed this path without my grandmothers — the memories I feared losing, the stories so generously shared, and the lives that deserved to be remembered. What began as a personal search for connection has become a lifelong effort to honour not only their stories, but the many others whose lives might otherwise fade into silence.
Though memories change and voices soften, the photographs, records, and stories they left behind continue to keep them close. In preserving their histories, I found understanding, belonging, and a reminder that family history is never only about the past — but about the enduring presence of those who shaped who we are.
This personal journey now guides the way I help others explore their own family histories.
The Research Journey
1. Initial Enquiry
The process begins with a relaxed conversation about what you hope to discover. This may include known family information, particular ancestors of interest, or simply a desire to better understand your heritage.
There is no expectation at this stage — it is an opportunity to explore possibilities and ask questions.
2. Complimentary Preliminary Review
A brief preliminary look is undertaken to gain a general sense of record availability and how far research may reasonably extend. This helps identify potential challenges, strengths within the records, and the likely depth of narrative that can be achieved.
Following this review, guidance is provided on possible research directions and an estimated scope.
3. Project Planning & Estimate
Based on the preliminary findings, an estimate is prepared reflecting the anticipated research time, narrative depth, and documentation involved. Some projects may focus on a single branch or question, while others may develop into broader multi-generational stories.
At this stage, the research approach can be refined to suit your goals and comfort level.
4. Research & Narrative Development
Research is undertaken using historical records, contextual sources, and where available, photographs and supporting documentation. As information is gathered, it is carefully interpreted and woven into a readable narrative that reflects both the facts and the lived experiences of your ancestors.
Rather than presenting isolated records, the aim is to create a meaningful and engaging account of the people behind them.
5.Research Help for Specific Questions
Not every genealogy question requires a full research project. If you have a specific question or a small research puzzle you would like help with — such as locating an obituary, interpreting a record, or exploring a possible connection — I am happy to assist with shorter enquiries where possible. When a question can be addressed within a few days, a small fee can be arranged based on the time involved, with findings delivered by email.
6. Review & Refinement
You will have the opportunity to review the completed narrative and raise any questions or clarifications. Minor adjustments, additions of family knowledge, or corrections can be incorporated at this stage to ensure the story feels complete and accurate.
6. Delivery & Preservation
All projects are presented as a beautifully formatted digital book, giving you the freedom to view, share, and print your family history whenever you wish.
The final work is presented as a carefully structured document designed for both reading and preservation. Supporting documentation and images are included where available, creating a lasting record that can be shared with family and future generations.
Further research or expansion can always be undertaken in stages should you wish to explore additional discoveries in the future.
Family history is rarely finished — it simply reaches meaningful pauses. Each stage of research adds clarity, connection, and understanding, allowing your family’s story to grow at a pace that feels comfortable and personal.
Bringing Research and Story Together
Thomas William Warner Transported from Bedfordshire to New South Wales, he endured punishment, labour, and hardship before establishing a family life in the Queanbeyan district
Examples of my work using two of my own ancestors stories with related documentation and pictures.
My Contact Details
Ancestry Photos
These images give some insight into my family history and the stories they held.
FAQ
This section addresses frequently asked questions about how I conduct genealogical research, verify historical records, and turn findings into meaningful, well-documented family stories.
🌿 Pricing & Approach section
Because every family history is unique, research projects naturally vary in depth, complexity, and the availability of historical records. Some ancestral lines may extend across many generations with rich documentation, while others may be limited by gaps in surviving material. A large family tree often spanning centuries is going to cost about $450 AUD with a 10% deposit but price can vary slightly depending on the project. Take a look at my Gallery to see an example of how a story in your family history book may come together.
For this reason, projects are individually assessed rather than placed into fixed packages. Following an initial discussion and a brief preliminary review, an estimate is provided based on the likely research time, narrative scope, and documentation involved.
This approach allows each project to reflect your goals without unnecessary expense or restrictive structures.
A complimentary preliminary review is offered to gain a general sense of how far research may extend and the types of records likely to be available. To begin the review I will need as much information as you know on the family lines you want to trace. Your parents and grandparents information is a good start. Approximate birth, marriage and death dates and places these events occurred. Many people prefer for a tree to start with their grandparents, but if you have information on your parents you would like to add, that's fine. This helps establish realistic expectations and allows an informed estimate before any commitment is made. As I balance my work with personal responsibilities, I take on a limited number of projects at a time to maintain quality and care in my research and writing. I work on one major family history project at a time to ensure it receives my full attention and careful research.
I am, however, able to take on smaller research questions or focused enquiries alongside a larger project.
Research is conducted with honesty and care. Where sensitive historical realities emerge, they are presented thoughtfully and within their proper historical context. I will message you if I feel there is something in your family story which many people might find difficult to think about in relation to their own ancestors and we can discuss it’s placement in the story.
Many historical records relating to ancestors are already publicly available through archives and genealogy databases. However, any personal information you share with me — particularly relating to living individuals — is treated with discretion and will not be shared without your permission. From time to time, I may request permission to share a small excerpt or sample page as an example of my work. This would only ever be done with your consent. If you prefer that your project remain entirely private, that is absolutely respected.
Genealogy Research and Writing
I conduct research based on information given by clients. I carefully verify all sources and use document and other sources to tell the story of your ancestors showing their lives and how everything about the world and time they lived in affected that.
Bringing the voices of the past to life in research and story
Uncovering ancestry that was forgotten or just not found yet.