The Stewart Bradley Research Centre was officially opened in 2016 following a generous bequest from the family of Stewart Bradley

Our modern research department has a very large collection of Local and District History. Marriages, Births, Deaths, Cemetery  and Burial records,  baptismal records of many families, properties, local churches , Schools, The Gold mining story, how Stawell got it's name, Businesses, Sporting History, and much more. We are a  fully  accredited repository of Historical Records

Since 1853, gold mining has been a significant part in Stawell's History. We have records on those early pioneers in the gold fields, as well as individual files on many families which have been compiled as a result of research enquiries received over the years. . Many of our records and images have been, and are being digitised

We hold a large collection of the early local newspapers, carefully stored in a temperature controlled facility, Parish Maps, and original photographs. Many are now digitised and available to view on Victorian Collections. We  have many files which contain newspaper articles, certificates and other information and about 25,000 cards in our index.

Don't forget to look at our vast collection of books for sale.  These include stories of the Gold discoveries and the history of gold mining in the region as well as a variety of other topics.

Please note that in order for our Volunteers to undertake requested research, we request a fee 

Research:           $15.00 per hour

Photocopying:    30 Cents per sheet