Two New Honorary Life Members

At our recent Annual General Meeting, the members of Family History ACT elected two new Honorary Life Members. This Award is one of the highest honours which can be bestowed upon a Member of Family History ACT and recognises outstanding and distinguished service to the society and significant contributions to the broader family history and genealogy community over many years.

In 2024 we have recognised Clare McGuiness and Gina Tooke who have both contributed in a variety of different ways over many years.

Clare’s contributions to the Society have included:

Assisting the Family Tree Maker SUG (2015-2019), Council Member (2017-2018), Education and Events Co-ordinator (2017-2022) with Sue Pillans, Writers SIG Convenor: (2019-2023), Scottish SIG Co-convenor (2023-present) with Mae Mulheran, DNA SIG Co-convenor (2023- present) with Cathy Day, Blogging Group Facilitator and Editor of The Ancestral Searcher (2023-current).

Gina’s contributions to the Society have included:

Writers SIG Convenor:  (2017 – 2018), E.M. Fletcher Writing Competition: (2019 – present), Project Leadership: several key projects for the Society, including the Telopea Park School Records Transcription Project and the FHACT Oral History Project, Anniversary Publications: As co-editor of the Society’s 50th and 60th Anniversary books, We Are Family and Honour Your Ancestors, Council Secretary (2017-2019), FHACT Engagement Sub Committee (2020-current).

Gina Tooke receiving her Honorary Life Membership from President Michele Rainger.