Newcastle Family History Society Podcasts

In this the final episode of the series, Jane Ison outlines what is contained in the Royal Commission into Public Charities which commenced in Sydney in May 1873, focusing on Biloela, the girls industrial school on Cockatoo Island.

Mutinous Misses of the ‘Roslin Castle’. In this episode in the Felonious Females series, Mel Woodford explores the voyage of the Roslin Castle (2), which, carrying 128 women, arrived in Port Jackson on the 29th of June,1830, after a treacherous four-month journey.

If you wander through the streets of Newcastle and indeed further afield to the suburbs and into the Hunter Valley, you will pass by historic and notable buildings – many are the work of Frederick Menkens. Society member Julie Keating takes us on a virtual journey and gives some insights into the man, his life and his creative prowess.

Jane Ison speaks about the letter book of Joseph Hines Clarke providing insights into the man, the Newcastle Industrial School and the town of Newcastle, NSW.

Women Rewarded Mel Woodford describes the practice of financial reward for those female convicts assigned to families in the colony, highlighting four women who were commended for their service with households in the Hunter Valley.  

In this episode of Notable Novocastrians, member Daryl Woods tells us of his family connection to Sir Frederick Gallegher Galleghan and recounts some aspects of a "Life of Service".

Jane Ison discusses the availability of government records for boys and girls sent to industrial schools and reformatories in NSW during the mid to late 1800s.

Mary Higgins In the twenty-year period between 1804 and 1824, over 1500 female convicts were sent to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Mary Higgins was one of the first – Mel Woodford tells her story.

Ten Top Tips The final episode in this series, Maree and Ken Shilling have shared ten valuable tips aimed at helping you overcome the frustrating obstacles that often hinder our research progress.

Continuing the series "What are you looking at?", Jane Ison looks at the letters and information about industrial school children in the Colonial Secretary Letters Received, 1826-1896.

Catherine Kent Mel Woodford continues this series with a follow-on story with researcher and member Robyn Jeffriess about convict, Catherine Kent.

Putting Flesh on the Bones! In Episode 5 in this series, our hosts explore ways to enhance your family's story by putting some "flesh on the bones"!

In this episode of "What are you looking at?", Jane Ison takes an in-depth look at the records of the first boys’ school, the Industrial School Ship Vernon, how researchers can locate these resources and the difficulties that may be encountered when using them.

Margaret McGreavy In this episode of Felonious Females, Mel Woodford tells the story of Margaret McGreavy, a Pioneer of Newcastle’s East End.  

Physician and pathologist, Ethel Byrne was a prominent figure in the history of medical practice in Newcastle especially in the treatment of tuberculosis. Through her recognition of her professional responsibilities she endeared herself to both staff and patients, spending her life in unselfish service to others. Dr Jude Conway recounts her life and achievements.

In the second of this series of podcasts on the suite of records connected to the Industrial Schools and Reformatories in NSW in the 19th century, Jane Ison will discuss the benefits and limitations of the Discharge Register located in State Records Kingswood (NRS-14723).

Molly Morgan In this episode in the 'Felonious Females' series Dr Jude Conway recounts the life and times of the famous Molly Morgan - 'Queen of the Hunter'.

The first Australian to be awarded a PhD in geology, the first woman to be appointed Dean of Science in an Australian university and the first woman in Australia, maybe the world, to win a Rotary Foundation Fellowship, Jude Conway recounts the brilliant life and achievements of Professor Beryl Nashar.

In this series, Jane Ison critically scrutinises the records pertaining to the boys and girls admitted to the Industrial Schools and Reformatories of NSW - the Vernon for boys and Newcastle, Biloela and Shaftesbury for girls. Episode 1 focuses on the main admission register for girls - The Register of Warrants (NRS-14722).

Sophia Lovell In this episode in the 'Felonious Females' series Mel Woodford and Robyn Jeffriess recount the life journey of Sophia Lovell from her convict origins to that of a respected figure in her community in the Hunter Valley.

How, When & Why Did They Come? In Episode 4 in this series, Maree and Ken Shilling explore various methods that can be used in understanding your ancestors' arrival in Australia.

Farewell to Paradise In this concluding episode of the "Bad Girls" series, Jane Ison examines the last months of the Newcastle Industrial School, recounting the events of the final two riots in 1871.

Women of the AA Company Episode 5 in the series 'Felonious Females' about the convict women who were sent to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Mel Woodford outlines the formation and purpose of the AA Company, celebrating 200 years of operation in 2024 and the part it played in the history of convict women that came to Newcastle and the Hunter. This podcast uses AI generated voices.

What's in a Name? In Episode 3 in this series, Maree and Ken Shilling discuss the origin of names and the traditions and naming patterns adopted by our ancestors that can be useful considerations when researching your family history.

Success Stories Episode 5 in the ‘Bad Girls’ series. Jane Ison showcases the success stories that have arisen from the young women who were sent to the Newcastle Industrial School and Reformatory.