2001 was the year of celebration of Centenary of Federation in Australia

As part of the commemoration, a project called First Families 2001 was set up as the following website http://www.firstfamilies2001.net.au. It was funded by the Victorian Government and hosted by the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne.

During last year, 2001, people were encouraged to register their information of first families to Australia, both ancestral and modern, with descendants where able. Also invited were stories about life on arrival in Australia.

Registration of information closed on 31 December 2001

This website is searchable by surname and there is a mine of information there including of course many Manx immigrants.

Well worth a browse if you are looking for a stray relative who may have gone to the antipodes.

Elizabeth, Queensland, Australia.