FURTHER INFORMATION

Visit the Access Canberra website for further information about civil registrations in the Federal Capital Territory / Australian Capital Territory, and to apply for a certificate online.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES

Deaths, funerals and burials in the ACT can also be identified through the following online resources:

This page lists ACT-related online, networked and microform resources as well as print publications available for use within the National Library.

Background

Prior to 1911 the area now known as the 'Australian Capital Territory' was administratively part of New South Wales. Between 1 January 1911 and 29 July 1938 it was officially known as the 'Federal Capital Territory'.

Online

Access Canberra

The ACT Government through their Access Canberra website currently provides the following historical indexes online, in the form of PDF files:

  • ACT Historic Marriage Index  (PDF version) (1930-1941)

    Includes marriage registration number, given names and surnames of both parties, and the date of marriage.
  • ACT Historic Death Index (PDF version) (1930-1986)

    Includes death registration number, given names and surname of the deceased, the date of death and, in some entries, the given names and surnames of the deceased's father and mother.

NB: For births in the Canberra region prior to 1918 see the indexes of New South Wales. For marriage and death records prior to 1930 also see New South Wales. Registrations of these events in the Canberra region may be recorded under the Districts of Queanbeyan or Yass.

Findmypast (World Edition)

You can find Findmypast (World Edition) by visiting our eResources portal and searching for this database under the Browse eResources tab. Currently, Findmypast has the following ACT-related BDM records available:

CD-ROMs within the Library

The following CD-ROM index include entries for deaths, funerals and in memoriam notices from the Canberra Times. Content is provided in the form of an Excel spreadsheet:

Divorce records

Divorce records from 1876-1932 in the area that now comprises the ACT but was part of NSW are held by the State Archives and Records of NSW. Refer to their guide for further information.

Divorce records from 1933-1975 are held by the ACT Supreme Court 

Since 1976, divorce records of the ACT are held by the Family Court of Australia.

nla.pic-vn6326769 PIC/8146/47 LOC ALBUM 316 Grooms and bridesmaids for Captain R. L. Waller's wedding, Gunghaleen, Australian Capital Territory, 1912.

Grooms and bridesmaids for Captain R. L. Waller's wedding, Gunghaleen, Australian Capital Territory, 1912

Not sure where to start?

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The National Library of Australia acknowledges Australia’s First Nations Peoples – the First Australians – as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and gives respect to the Elders – past and present – and through them to all Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Cultural Notification

Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website contains a range of material which may be considered culturally sensitive including the records of people who have passed away.

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