For more than 40 years the Benalla Family Research Group has investigated and catalogued the stories and histories of the people in Benalla Rural City.
However, by half way through 2023 it could be homeless, and 40 years of work could be stuck in a storage container, never to see the light of day again.
After 40 years, and with more than 600 members during the years, along with multiple millions of dollars worth of volunteer labour and skills, the group is desperate to find a new home.
More than 5000 catalogued books, local and district maps, historical documents, war records, birth, death, and marriage certificates, family histories, historical photos of the town, including the Howship collection, are held by BFRG.
In addition, it holds the towns rate books and newspapers, many dating from the 19th century, which adds up to a family heritage collection that punches way above its weight.
As community groups often do, BFRG started at a dining table, progressed to a kitchen “office”, and now, 38 years later, is still temporarily at the “Old Presbyterian Church Hall” on Mair St.
BFRG president Bill Willett said it might now have to bid farewell to the beautiful old historic hall and ask for the communities help.
“The Benalla Family Research Group has to vacate it’s current location, as the building it occupies is about to be sold,” Mr Willett said.
If the group is unable to find a new home, it could cease to exist.
BFRG currently earns income by:
- Helping people find their families;
- Designing and creating family trees and charts;
- Producing the much sought-after BFRG calender, which this year highlights previous flood events in the town;
- Building community skills in online family research;
- Managing the annual local Benalla, and National Heritage Festivals; and
- Building long-term assets such as the Benalla Heritage Network.
“We’ve been sticking to our budget, but cost of living pressures means that donations are down 45 per cent since July 2022,” Mr Willett said.
“We are surviving on our savings for now, as we do not receive any state or federal funding.
“We make no apologies for not being corporate and profit making.
“BFRG has been satisfied until now with being a community skill building and family reuniting group for 40 years.
“We have not asked for help in the past. However, we are experiencing a seismic shift in our circumstances and we need your help.
“We have not sat on our laurels. So far we have discussed our needs with the Benalla Rural City Council; Made state wide colleagues and genealogist peak bodies aware of our situation; contacted Benalla community groups, landlords, and private home owners; and canvassed BFRG members for ideas.
“Benalla could be about to lose part of it's valuable history.
“Should we be forced to place our collection in storage, the collection could be damaged or even lost.
“We need a secure location where it will be preserved.
The committee and members are searching for new premises, but needs assistance from the people of Benalla.
If you are able to assist our group in any way, contact the Benalla Family Research Group via: www.benallafamilyresearchgroup.org/ or email secretary@benallafamilyresearchgroup.org