Digging Up the Past: How one group is helping keep local history alive

When Rob Thomas stumbled upon an old family journal from 1863, he had no idea it would ignite a decades-long passion for uncovering his roots—and eventually help him lead one of Logan’s local history groups.
Now president of Logan River Family History Inc., Rob says it all started with an heirloom and a curious mind. “There were old family artifacts, such as a journal from 1863,” he recalls. “I just wanted to know more. It’s fascinating.”
Rob's family story, like many in the Logan area, is rich with journeys and change.  After spending his teenage years in Mt Gravatt, he settled in Logan in his early 20s and has lived there ever since. But his roots stretch across oceans—his great-great-grandfather left a seemingly thriving bakery business in Lambeth, London to bring his family to Australia in the late 1863.
That sense of movement and connection is something Rob and the Logan River Family History Association explore in depth. “We’re a friendly, non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political group,” he explains. “We’re here to help people research their family and local history, and to preserve the stories that make Logan unique.”
And there are so many stories.
The group has uncovered and published accounts of early settlers, war heroes, and pioneering medical professionals. Their publications include titles such as They Chose Beenleigh, They Cared for Beenleigh, and a revised edition of The Beenleigh War Memorial, a digital collection documenting over 230 local service members from WWI.
But it’s not just about the past—it’s about building community in the present. “We have regular talks, events, and fundraisers,” says Rob. “And you never know who you might be related to!”
Case in point: at a recent event, a guest discovered she was distantly connected to the Armstrong family, a pioneering clan featured in one of the society’s projects. It’s moments like these that make genealogy not just an academic pursuit, but a personal and communal journey.
The Society itself has a history almost as compelling as the ones it documents. It began in 2001 with just five members meeting in Munruben. Over the years, it moved from church halls to historical buildings, eventually growing large enough to outgrow several homes—including the Old Beenleigh Post Office and the Kingston Butter Factory. Today, the group meets at the Slacks Creek Progress Hall, Springwood,  with a membership that has, at times,  just been short of 100 passionate history hunters.
And what a resource base they have to offer. The Society’s library holds over 1,600 books, 3,000 magazines and journals, 1,000 microfiche, and an extensive collection of maps, directories, and family histories penned by locals. For the tech-savvy researcher, there are computer stations offering access to major genealogy websites like Ancestry.com and Find My Past. As a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, the group can even provide access to premium historical records typically reserved for FamilySearch centres.
Their treasure trove includes everything from electoral rolls to headstone records from Logan Village Cemetery to meticulously compiled indexes covering local, national, and international family lines.
New members are always welcome, whether you're just starting out with a dusty photo album or you're a seasoned genealogist eager to swap insights.
 “Everyone has a story worth telling,” Rob says. “Sometimes, all it takes is a little help to find it.”
The group also collaborates with History Queensland Inc., connecting them with like-minded societies across the state. And they aren’t stopping anytime soon. Plans are underway to keep expanding their resources and their reach.
Among the Society’s proudest projects is their 21st Anniversary Publication, A Family History Journey, a collection of award-winning stories from their in-house journal Dugullumba Times. Each tale is a vivid snapshot of life in Logan’s past—written by the people who call it home.
Whether you’re tracing your ancestors or just love a good story, Logan River Family History Inc. proves that the past is anything but dull. It’s personal. It’s powerful. And it’s right here in your own backyard.
To learn more or get involved, drop in for a visit, attend a talk—or open that box in the attic. Who knows what stories you’ll find? Visit: Home
MONTHLY SPEAKER
Guest Speaker for the June meeting IS Lynette Shailer, the topic will be The Dennis Family.  This should be of interest to many of our members as the Dennis family have been in the region for many years and we also have some Dennis relatives as members. Info : Phone 07 3208 3993