In 1978, a few newcomers to genealogical research formed a genealogy group based on the Sunshine Coast, initially to research family history and to develop and collect the resources and records necessary for that purpose. 

The group outgrew several temporary homes and moved to a variety of locations as it grew, all the while continuing to develop a library and resource collection of its own. Underneath Bayards was one of our homes in our journey over the years.

2018 will see this group celebrate its 40th anniversary, with some of those early members still with us today, mostly recognized with life membership in recognition of their efforts to create an interest in and encourage family history research.

Genealogy Sunshine Coast was established in 1978 and was incorporated in 1989. It currently has 270 active members. The primary purpose of GSC is to collect, collate and record local and family history of the Sunshine Coast region, with primary emphasis on Maroochy Shire and the broader Sunshine Coast region. 

Genealogy Sunshine Coast was formed in 1988 as a separate entity, having separated from its parent organization. The group was incorporated on 28th April 1989 under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 under our full title of Sunshine Coast Historical and Genealogical Resource Centre Inc.

Due to the broad range of members ages, interests and expertise and the growing dependence on making use of computer technology to record history using digital technology, we have also developed an educational program to help members and the general community take advantage of new technology for their own personal development and for a broader community benefit.

It has grown in its purpose and direction to include the collection and preservation of local history, especially the recording of primary source material where possible, and to use whatever means is available to collect and disseminate that information to the community. 

Our organization is primarily self-funded, non-profit and staffed wholly by volunteers. We value the support of the Sunshine Coast Council through a competitive community grants program which has continued to assist us improve and develop our facilities, equipment and services over many years.

Genealogy Sunshine Coast owns its premises, conservatively valued at $80,000.00 and has a significant resource collection with a replacement value of approximately $100,000.00

Members of the group continue to donate resources to the centre. 80% of our new resources each year are personally donated by our membership and provide a unique resource for research on our local area, throughout Australia and overseas. 

A roster of volunteer duty librarians maintain a library and research service 5 days per week, with volunteer tutors providing several series of classes, workshops and help sessions held in house and in other centres. 

The GSC Resource Centre is open to the public on 5 days each week for research, and classes, workshops, meetings, project, database and indexing activities.

The facilities of the Centre are available for members to use outside library hours for their own use. As many members have dual interests with other community groups and organizations, they are able to use photocopying and computer facilities as necessary. 

Membership and visitors cover the whole of the broader Sunshine Coast region and beyond and we are centrally located in Nambour in the heart of the region.

Members come from as far away as Brisbane, Landsborough, Noosaville, Coolum, Mapleton, Caloundra and Peachester to visit the centre. Their links to the local community extend to many organizations and activities, from birdwatching, car clubs, gardening groups, to learning activities and community education classes and events.