Germans formed the largest non-British Isles migrant group in South Australia. Explore the early groups and individuals who made the colony their home.

Ben Hollister has been a professional genealogist since 2007, and a historical researcher since 1997. He owns and operates a historical research business focussing on German-Australian research, runs historical tours, and offers a variety of support services to researchers, including mentoring and reviews, as well as undertaking his own research.

Over the past 20 years, Ben has also held executive management positions, in the areas of health, emergency management, education, finance, information technology and marketing, and board positions, in the areas of education, sport, history and cultural communities, with not-for-profit companies and organisations in Australia. As well as his historical research work, Ben consults with not-for-profits and membership organisations to ensure they have strong governance structures in place and are using funds effectively. He also founded and served as Executive Officer of the German-Australian Genealogy and History Alliance, a network of societies, archives and researchers.

Ben is a Fellow of the Institute of Leaders and Managers, a Member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia, and a Certified Professional with the Australian Library and Information Association. He holds tertiary qualifications in information management, educational management, and applied history, and vocational qualifications in business management and event management and design.