GeniAus - The Rockstar

I don't know the identity of those who voted for me in the 2016 Rockstar Genealogist Awards but I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The results have just come in and I am thrilled, humbled and honoured to find my name among the list of International Genealogists as the Superstar Rockstar Genealogist (Gold) for Australia/New Zealand. The award is particularly sweet for me this year as I recently had a few health problems that necessitated a major operation and time away from geneactivities. This gong may provide the catalyst to drive me back into my geneacave. 

Graphic by ANZ Bronze Rockstar - Michelle Patient

Thanks to John D Reid for organising this annual activity that promotes global genealogy. 

Don't forget to tune into 

Canada's Anglo-Celtic Connections Blog to see the full lists of Rockstars: 

Wednesday: Australia/News Zealand and Canada

Thursday: England/Scotland/Wales and Ireland
Friday: International, USA and DNA

A Golden Old Girl

Earlier today I received an email from John D Reid which stated "Congratulations. Your genealogist colleagues have voted you #1, gold award, superstar genealogist for Australia/NZ for 2015" and a  request that I keep the news embargoed until the Official Announcement went live.

Keeping mum has been difficult as I was rather excited to read the news in John's email. Having managed to contain my excitement for several hours I am now able to share the link to John's Golden Announcement. 

Congratulations to all those who received awards and to all those who were nominated for this award, to be included on this list is a golden achievement. That my name came out on top in Australia/New Zealand is a wonder to me. I am so proud to see my name on the Golden List with CeCe Moore, Dave Obee, Kirsty Gray and Claire Santry.

I thank all those Genimates who voted for me in this competition and John D Reid for organising this activity which does much to promote genealogy and genealogists internationally. I recognise the multitude of volunteers who work in genealand and provide resources and services that help people like me reach Gold Status.

As I proudly accept this award I will remember all those Golden Genies on whose shoulders I stand.

Aussies Rock

Reading Rocks and so does Genealogy

There is a healthy number of nominations for Australian Genealogists in the third annual Rockstar Genealogist Award organised by Canadian genealogist John D Reid. 

There is no way that we can bump the Americans off the top ten list but we should still cast votes for our fave Aussie and International stars. John will be publishing an Australian awwards list as he did last year. 

To cast your vote (it ionly takes a minute or two) this year (you need to do it this week) go to:
 http://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/rockstar-genealogists-2014-voting-now.html

I'd be thrilled if I got a few votes again this year.

Why Me?

Thanks to John Reid from Anglo-Celtic Connections for hosting a number of geneapolls throughout the year. I always take part in these and find the results and John's analyses most illuminating.

John also hosts The Annual Rockstar Genealogists Awards.  When I looked at John's post announcing the nominations I was surprised to find my name on the list and was pleased to see a fair representation of Australians there. I still don't know who nominated me but I am most grateful.

I was very excited for my mate Shauna Hicks yesterday when I read that she was the Silver Medalist for Australia and New Zealand on a list of international genealogy megastars.

I got an enormous surprise earlier today when John let me know that I was the Gold Medalist  for Australia and New Zealand. When I emailed my husband to tell him the news he replied "what an elite group". I was humbled, surprised and gobsmacked to find my face on the page with the others in this group. I realise that more than a a few people must have voted for me in the poll, thanks to each and every one of you for your support.

With our relatively small population base downunder it is difficult for Australians and New Zealanders to gain a large number of votes in international contests. I thank John for creating an Australian/NZ category and for including so many worthy Australians on the list of nominations.

You can see the list of the  the top ten Rockstar Genealogists from Australia/New Zealand on Anglo-Celtic Connections tomorrow.

Your support for genealogy in our country is truly appreciated, John.

Thanks to a Stranger

Aussie Rockstar

I was perusing the list of contenders for Rockstar Genealogist status on John D. Reid's Anglo-Celtic Connections blog and found my name and those of some other Aussies on the list. I was surprised and delighted to see the land downunder represented.

John says that "Rockstar genealogists are those who give "must attend" presentations at family history conferences or as webinars. Who, when you see a new family history article or publication by that person, makes it a must buy. Who is it that you hang on their every word on a blog, podcast or newsgroup, or follow avidly on Facebook or Twitter?"

Was I surprised? You bet, my name is up there with some really big fish in the genealogy world. I want to thank whoever put my name on the list. I really appreciate the gesture.

Voting will start in the week following 8 September. Details will be posted on  Anglo-Celtic Connections.