Narrative Family History

From $600 AUD

A professionally written story of your ancestor or family line, based on historical records and research.

Includes:

• Detailed archival and online research

• Historical and social context

• Clear timeline of events

• Photographs and document extracts (where available)

• 10–20 page written narrative (PDF)

• Source references

Ideal for: Preserving family stories, gifts, and legacy projects.

Delivery: 3–5 weeks

Brick Wall Research Package

$400 AUD

Focused research into one specific family mystery.

Includes:

• Up to 4 hours of targeted research

• Analysis of available records

• Written findings report

• Next-step recommendations

Ideal for: Unknown parents, missing records, name changes.

Delivery: 2–3 weeks

Migration, Convict & Military Histories

From $500 AUD

In-depth research and storytelling focused on major life journeys and service.
Includes:

• Passenger, court, or service records

• Historical background

• Maps and timelines (where relevant)

• Written narrative report (PDF)

• Source references

Ideal for: Australian, UK, and Irish family histories.

Delivery: 3–4 weeks

DNA Results Consultation

$120 AUD (90 minutes)

One-on-one guidance to help you understand and use your DNA matches.

Includes:

• Review of your results

• Match analysis

• Research strategy

• Written summary

Delivery: Online session + follow-up notes

Additional Research Time

$90 AUD per hour

For extended or complex projects beyond standard packages

How It Works

1. Initial enquiry and assessment (free)

2. Written project outline and quote

3. 50% deposit to begin

4. Research and writing phase

5. Final report delivered as PDF

6. Balance due on completion

Important Notes

• Genealogical research is based on available records and evidence.

• Results cannot always be guaranteed.

• All work is conducted ethically and confidentially.

• Living individuals’ privacy is respected.

A sample piece

Alexander Walker (1870-1966), lay preacher, soldier and farmer was born in Marcus Hill, Victoria, fourth son of British parents James Walker, Farmer and his Scottish wife, Jean (nee Dunlop).  After attending state schools Alexander left at the age of 15 and started work at the Yarragon South Sawmill.  He then moved to Bendigo and became a bank messenger during the gold rush. This young period of his life saw him travel across every state and territory of Australia except Northern Territory.

Alexander signed up for the Boer War not once but twice. First as corporal no. 223 with the Fourth (Imperial) Contingent in 1900, and then again with the 2nd Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse in 1902 as Sergeant no.437.  During his second stint Alexander was mentioned for gallantry in despatches in the London Gazette.  He and others “took back spare horses to bring out men whose horses had bolted”. His first stint lasted 12 months and he then returned and re-enlisted 7.1.02

On return to Australia Alexander began farming in Moe Victoria. Over his life he travelled all over Australia visiting every state and territory except the Northern Territory. One visit he made was to Western Australia to bring back his nephew, Robert Gamble. Alexander’s sister had died in 1896 leaving Robert in the care of his father who couldn’t cope. Robert came back to Childers with Alexander and was brought up by his Grandmother Jean.

On St Patrick’s day in 1920 Alexander was married to Lucy Dorothy Bromfield honeymooning in Point Lonsdale. They settled down to have a family of 3 children on the family property in Childers. The home was a five-roomed weatherboard structure including two buildings and had an iron roof and was lined with paper and hessian. Four years later however tragedy struck as the children perished when the house burnt down. Alec was tending to rabbit traps on his farm when he saw the flames and yelled “The house is on fire”. His wife Lucy was in a detached kitchen and ran to the building the three children were asleep in but was held back by the flames. All attempts to extinguish the fire failed and the three children died where they slept. The cause of the fire was found to be a lamp that had been left burning in the room.

Alexander and Lucy then moved to a farm in Nilma where they went on to have four more children. Unfortunately, tragedy continued to plague them when their sixteen-year-old son was riding his bike home from school and experienced brake failure.   His pushbike collided with a train at the crossing, and he died instantly. Alec was required to identify the remains of his eldest son at the level crossing.

Religion was always a part of Alexander’s life and he had spent time as a lay preacher before becoming a superintendent at the Nilma Sunday School.  Family lore had him declaring he “felt old” when he fell off a bicycle when he was 80.

Alexander suffered a heart attack at 90 which necessitated his first stay in hospital; however he was able to witness many more births and marriages in his family before passing peacefully at the age of 96.

Select Bibliography

Obituary, unpublished, 1966, held by author

National Archive Australia, WALKER, ALEXANDER [Regimental No.437] joined 7-1-1902 - Boer War Dossier, 1902 – 1902, B4418 688046

Australian War Memorial, Pre First World War Conflicts Nominal Roll, Alexander Walker Service number 223, Murray Page number 265

Australian War Memorial, Pre First World War Conflicts Nominal Roll, Alexander Walker Service number 437, Murray Page number 310

Australian War Memorial, Honours and Awards, Alexander Walker, Service number 223, Mention in despatches, 9 July 1901 on page 4563 London Gazette

Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Marriage Certificate of Alexander Walker and Lucy Bromfield (1920 3128)

Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 - 1954), Heroic Fight to save Children, Saturday 2 August 1924, page 6

Public Record Office Victoria, 1924/805 Alexander Charles Walker, Jane Margaret Walker, Stephen Walker: Inquest, VPRS 24/P0000, 1924/805

Public Record Office Victoria, 1941/532 Malcolm Walker: Inquest, VPRS 24/P0000, 1941/532