Ms Bronwyn Paschalidis – Diploma of Family History (UTAS), Certificate of Genealogical Research (SAG), Bachelor of Music Education (University of Newcastle), MAAGRA

Researcher Type: Genealogist & Record Agent

Biography:

I am a family historian, genealogical researcher, and emerging writer based in south-west Victoria. My passion lies in uncovering and sharing the real stories behind the names in our family trees — especially of women whose voices are often silent in the records. My approach is methodical and evidence-based; working backwards from the client as Generation 1 and extracting genealogical information from primary sources and original documents. I offer a personalised research service tailored to your needs, including a research plan and an estimate of costs involved.

I hold a Diploma of Family History from the University of Tasmania and a Certificate of Genealogical Research from the Society of Australian Genealogists. I know the value of accurately citing sources so they can be found again. I’m also a qualified primary and secondary music teacher with a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Newcastle.

I’ve helped families trace their roots across Australia, Denmark, England, India, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Scotland, South Africa and Sweden. I’m skilled in working with a wide range of records, including church and civil registers, convict, military, immigration, and land and property documents. I’m also not shy about tackling research in countries I’m unfamiliar with.

As a writer, I’ve published several creative nonfiction stories inspired by my own family history, including The Prettys of Pilcot Farm, Dear Marjory, A Savory Tale, From Dampsagens to Duntroon, Woman is the Weaker Vessel, Three Irish Thieves, and Let Them Open on Sundays!. I’ve also written two “how-to” guides on Scandinavian research, and I regularly present talks and workshops on topics ranging from Scandinavian and Irish ancestry to convict women in colonial Australia.

Early in 2026 I launched Finding Family Stories, a research and writing service dedicated to helping others discover, document, and share their own family histories. Whether I’m researching, writing, or teaching, I’m driven by curiosity, accuracy, and a deep respect for the people whose stories I tell.

Memberships:
Australasian Association of Genealogists & Records Agents Inc. (AAGRA)
Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG)
Genealogy Society of Victoria (GSV)
Oral History Victoria (OHV)
State Library of Victoria (SLV)
Public Record Office Victoria (PROV)
Writers’ Victoria
Heraldry and Genealogical Society of Canberra (HAGSOC), t/as Family History ACT
National Archives of Australia
National Library of Australia

Address: PO Box 1031, Portland VIC 3305
ABN: 90 401 535 891