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Victoria Dell Mazlin and Joan Mazlin.jpeg
Victoria Dell Mazlin and Tommy Bryant.jpeg
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Inspiration

Histories, memoirs, and accounts from the past are all too often focused on grand events or prominent figures. The voices and stories of ordinary Australians and their overseas ancestors have long been unheard or overlooked.

From convicts transported to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries to free settlers who made the perilous journey from distant shores, each blog post aims to unearth the narratives that have shaped Modern Australia and my family’s heritage.

I hope you will join me in uncovering and reflecting on the legacies of the Anthony, Mazlin, and Poulton families as we trace their histories.

Dedication

To My Mother, Victoria Dell (nee Mazlin, formally Anthony) Poulton

To my mother, Victoria Dell Mazlin, who always inspired me to follow my passions. A remarkable storyteller, she had a way of weaving tales that captivated everyone around her. Throughout her life, she cherished her family deeply, nurturing us with love, wisdom, and unforgettable stories. Her strength and kindness continue to guide me every day.

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Kurt Strobach, who set me on this journey of researching my family history. My gratitude also goes to the extended Anthony, Mazlin and Poulton families for providing invaluable resources to tell these stories. Special thanks to Timothy Poulton for his guidance and advice on setting up this website. Lastly, I am deeply grateful to my partner, I Made Suranata, for his unwavering support throughout this journey.

Featured
Reading James Boyce’s Van Diemen’s Land: Reflections on a Penal Colony
Reading James Boyce’s Van Diemen’s Land: Reflections on a Penal Colony

While visiting Tasmania, I picked up a copy of Van Diemen’s Land by James Boyce—directly from the author at Hobart’s Salamanca Market. His book offers a clear and compelling account of Tasmania’s early years as a penal colony. It explores the colony’s convict system, environmental impact, and the dispossession of Aboriginal Tasmanians, prompting reflection on how these themes connect with my own family history research.

A Cargo of Women: A Window into the Lives of Female Convicts
A Cargo of Women: A Window into the Lives of Female Convicts

Over the holidays, I read Babette Smith’s A Cargo of Women, a powerful account of female convicts transported to New South Wales. The book sheds light on their struggles, and as I read, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my ancestor, Hannah Brown. Their stories reveal much about the lives of convict women and their role in shaping history.

Discovering the Legacy of a Name: Anthony, Queensland
Discovering the Legacy of a Name: Anthony, Queensland

Discover the story of my great-great-great-uncle, William Anthony, whose legacy shaped the Scenic Rim region of Queensland. From pioneering cotton farming during the American Civil War’s cotton shortage to leaving his name on the map, the Anthony family played a pivotal role in the area’s development. This post explores the historical and cultural layers of the region, including its Aboriginal heritage, the Fassifern Railway Line, and the enduring significance of names that connect us to the past.

Valuable Resources for Family History Research: Indigenous and Early Settler Perspectives
Valuable Resources for Family History Research: Indigenous and Early Settler Perspectives

Conversations about Australia’s colonial past can be challenging, yet understanding this history is essential. Recently, discussions on these topics were closed due to inappropriate comments, underscoring the difficulties in facing complex issues openly. To encourage thoughtful exploration, I’ve compiled a list of recommended resources on Australia’s colonial history and its impact on Indigenous communities. These readings offer valuable insights for those researching family history and seeking a fuller understanding of our shared past.

The Mazlin Family and Aboriginal Dispossession
The Mazlin Family and Aboriginal Dispossession

As I trace the steps of the Mazlin family, I reflect on the larger forces that shaped their lives—and the lives of many others—in 19th-century Australia. The timber industry offered opportunity but came with a devastating impact on Aboriginal communities. How do we reconcile our ancestors’ survival and success with the injustices they may have participated in? These complexities demand our reflection, as we confront the full, often uncomfortable scope of colonial history