Growing up, I had always had a sense of pride in my pioneer forebears, derived 
in no small part from the often exciting stories told to me by my parents. Of 
course as a child and later it seemed to make little difference which great 
aunt or grandmother had done what and where! By the time I decided to make a 
little more sense of it all, it was quickly becoming too late to ask anyone - 
or so I thought!

My first visit to my local history society began a search which I know will 
last longer than my lifetime. I still remember the excitement of seeing my 
grandparent`s names on a birth registration index fiche for the first time. 
(and yes forgetting to write down those important reference details!) 

Where has this led me? I have been around the globe and back in history with 
my new found antecedents and their siblings. They have taught me more of human 
failings, courage, resilience and dogged determination to succeed in the face 
of adversity than I could have absorbed from any text book.
I thank them.

I have made such wonderful friendships with far-flung `cousins` who have gone 
out of their way to help me in so many ways. Of course like all cousins we 
have to agree to disagree on some points! 

My heritage is so very mixed. My ancestors came to Australia in the nineteenth 
century from Germany, England, Ireland and Scotland, some well off, some very 
poor and some not of their own volition! I have found that so often they were 
following or were followed by extended family members and friends. Perhaps you 
may find a member of your family on these pages. If so I would love to hear 
from you! 

I have tried to be as accurate as possible with my research, but if perchance 
you find what seems to you to be a glaring mistake, please contact me!