Genealogy Chat

Can anyone tell me what info I could expect on certificates from Australia between 1875- now. Ie on death cert would i find place of birth etc. Sure there must be a link but can't find one. Anyone any expereince with them. Nicky

Hi Nicky, I have a death certificate for 1909. They are fantastic. Shows Place and date of death, name, Age, Cause of death, Parents names, name of informant, where and when buried, place of birth, how long in Australia, Place of marriage, age at marriage, Husbands name, names of children Pete

Hi Peter. Wow thanks thats fantastic. I need to order a death one for 1908 so should show everything you have stated. I think they are more expensive than English ones but then maybe they are worth it. Thanks again Nicky

Goodness! Think I'll have to grovel to my rellies and beg for a copy of a death certificate!

They're brilliant, definitely worth getting. And there is a way of saving money if you want certs. from NSW - if you don't actually need a certificate for legal purposes, you can get a transcription, which costs less. There are three authorised transcription agents for NSW - you can find their details here: http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/familyHistory/howToSearch.htm I don't think the other States have transcription agents.

Thanks Mary but mine are from South Australia. Will need to save some pennies first!!!! Nicky

If you have any servicemen in the family you may find some stuff online here: http://www.naa.gov.au/The_Collection/recordsearch.html

Yes I have looked on here, a brilliant site, have saved some records of ancestors from here. Free as well not like England.!!! where we have to pay for our ancestors service records. Nicky

Nicky, I have a death cert for 1859. Not everything on it is filled in, as I suppose the informant didn't know. But it the headings are Date and Place of death Name and occupation Saex and age Cause of death, duration of illness and medical attendant Name and occupation of father Name and maiden name of mother Informant Particulars of registration When and where buried Name and religion of Minister and names of witnesses Where born and how long in the Australian Colonies Place of marriage, age and to whom Children of marriage. Later ones have same details. They have replaced colonies with States. I have several from around 1890 and all are filled in completely. Hope that helps.

Hi Elizabeth. Time difference about 9 hours I think, just off to bed now. Thank you so much for the info will copy and paste for future ref. What about marriage and birth certs do they have a lot on them as well. Thanks. Nicky

Nicky, Mine are from NSW and Qld, not sure of others. Remember Qld was part of NSW until 1858 although I got my g grandmothers birth from NSW and that was 1859 so there was a double up time. Marriage from 1880 has When and where married Names and surnames of the parties Condition (batchelor or spinster, etc) Birthplace Married in the (church)at(place) Rank or Profession Ages of both parties Usual palce of residence Father's name, surname and mothers' name and maiden name Father's rank or profession. Signatures of bride and groom and witnesses. Birth from 1858 has Date and place of birth Name Sex Father's name, occupation,age and birthplace Date and place of marriage, and previous issue (living and dead) Mother's name and maiden name, surname, age and birthplace Informant Witness Birth from 1891 has All the same except parents marriage PLEASE NOTE If you want parents marriage details ask for them as they are not provided otherwise. You will get a seperate sheet of paper with Date and Place of marriage. Hope that helps. I can scan them if you want to see.

Links to BMD info for each terratry can be accessed from: http://www.naa.gov.au/publications/fact_sheets/fs89.html

Modern birth certificates have name of siblings on too... how neat is that!

Geraldine, The old ones do as well. It's under Previous Issue (living and dead) Libby

NSW certificates are great but they are only as good as the informant. If that person didn't know or was mistaken then you could have a problem. The ones I've had the most problems with are those who came out from England. Those peopels certs seem to have little detail for some reason. Or it may just be my rellies! lol I've used a transcription agent for bmd and she is great. her website is: www.marbract.)com(.au I used her as she was the first one I heard of but I have since met her and she is actually a nice lady as well. She has specials around Christmas and if you buy in bulk you get a discount as well. You can also chose to have the certs emailed to you which means you get them quicker. Toni

Thanks everone who has answered. I have had a reply from Gumeracha & District History Centre and they can do $35 for a two hour search of our records $6 for a Birth, Death or Marriage Certificate Transcription 50c per photocopy $3 per map $5 per photograph which i think is very reasonable. Not sure if they need to do the search as I have the ref numbers for the certs i need so will contact them to see. Watch this space!!! Nicky