Genealogy Chat

Can anyone tell me whether there were any census available for Australia as there is for England? where would I find them if there is? Thank you - Leigh

Hi Leigh I don't think there is. I asked the same question a while ago and was advised that the census forms are all destroyed once the statistics have been taken from them. From Wikipedia: Privacy The Census and Statistics Act 1905 and Privacy Act 1988 guarantee that no personally-identifiable information is released from the ABS[4] to other government organisations, or the public. However the 2001 census offered for the first time, an option to have personal data archived by the National Archives of Australia and released to the public 99 years later and in 2001 54% of Australians agreed to do so.[5] The ABS also makes confidentialised Census data available to researchers, who must make various legal commitments before being given access.[6] In the 1970s there was public debate about privacy and the census. In 1979 the Law Reform Commission reported on Privacy and the Census.[7] One of the key elements under question was the inclusion of names. It was found that excluding names reduced the accuracy of the data; individuals were more likely to leave questions blank and post-enumeration surveys would not be possible.[1] Sam x

HI Sam, Thanks so much for your reply - it would certainly make our lives easier if we could get the information from there. Leigh

HI Libby, Thanks I will try the archives and see what I come up with. Leigh

Leigh, There aren't any census available like in the UK. I only wish there were some. However, depending on the years you are looking for, there are a few early musters available. I really have forgotten where they are. Someone will know. The Archives should be able to help you. You can go to National or State Archives and email. I found some family on the 1822 one. Good Luck, Libby

A few 19th century censuses and musters survive, but it depends on the colony. Very little is online, although there are online name indexes for NSW and SA in 1841. This site tells you what still exists, and where it is located: http://www.jaunay*com/auscensus.html Richard

Hi Richards, Thanks for the reply - I am sorry to say that most of the people I am looking for are in Victoria - but will keep that Information tucked away in case I need it. - Leigh

Leigh, If you want to put up some names and approx dates, i'll see what I can find. No promises. I'm in Brisbane so it will be just resorces I have. Libby.

Hi Libby, There are two names that I am interested one is Thomas Norris born Malvern Victoria c1866 HIlda Freeman born c1891 Ballarat area. Thank you so much I really appreciate it even if you find nothing. I am afraid that I have to say goodnight as I am back on duty at 7am Regards Leigh

Hi Leigh. I live in Victoria ( Melbourne ) and carry all the BDM's that are avaiable for Victoria. Malvern is half an hour drive from me. If i can help with a look up GR email me with details. Cheers. Tony Oz

O'k.....There are 28 Thomas NORRIS births for Victoria from 1857 to 1880s Do you know the name of his parents? Malvern could be covered by the Suburb of Prahran or Sth. Yarra There are 4 Thomas Norris for these suburbs Cheers Tony Oz

Births registered Victoria for Hilda FREEMAN 1889 to 1901 Federation. Surname: FREEMAN Given Names: Hilda Event: B Sex: F Spouse Surname/Father: Harry Spouse Gvn Names/Mother: Emily PHILLIPS Age: Age Code: Birth Place: PRAH ( Prahran ) Death Place: Year: 1893 Reg. Number: 6747 Surname: FREEMAN Given Names: Hilda Louisa Event: B Sex: F Spouse Surname/Father: Hy Spouse Gvn Names/Mother: Louisa Emily GIBB Age: Age Code: Birth Place: FRANKSTON Death Place: Year: 1891 Reg. Number: 23215 Surname: FREEMAN Given Names: Hilda May Event: B Sex: F Spouse Surname/Father: William Spouse Gvn Names/Mother: Inez May WILLIAMSON Age: Age Code: Birth Place: BLUE Death Place: Year: 1893 Reg. Number: 19800

There's a Thomas Norris born 1866 Gardiner, Vic. Father Thomas Norris, mother Ellen Massam. Sorry I have no idea where Gardiner is. Libby.

Could be the right Thomas, Libby. Gardiner is the Municipality of Stonnington...which take in the suburbs of Glen Iris and Malvern........A few suburbs further away are Prahran and South Yarra NORRIS, Thomas CB 1537861 Birth Father: Thomas Mother: Massam Ellen Event Place: Gardiner Reg Year: 1866 Reg State: Victoria Ref Number: 15930 Tony Oz

Leigh, you know you can search the victorian births, deaths and marriages online. If you go to www(.)coraweb(.)com(.)au/bdmau(.)htm (take out the brackets). you can navigate through to the website. Hope this helps. Regards, Heather