Australind relives the past for 17th anniversary

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the settlement of Australind and the Australind Family History Society will commemorate the historic date at Alverstoke on April 2.

The ship Diadem arrived on the shore in 1842 with the first contingent of settlers, following the Island Queen in 1840 which brought mainly surveyors to the area.

Among the first arrivals was prominent pioneer Marshall Waller Clifton, who landed with the Parkfield at Koombana Bay in 1841.

His descendants in the seventh and eighth generation are still living at the historic Alverstoke property which he was given after his arrival.

Society president Chris Shaw said the arrival of the first settlers was a significant date for the area as it was the start of Australind and other towns in the surrounding area.

“The anniversary is a day for descendants to get together and share their family history,” she said.

“Many of the first settlers were well-known pioneers and their descendants still live in the area.

“At our 170th anniversary celebration five years ago, about 90 descendants came together and some of them met relatives they did not know they had for the first time.

“They were keen to celebrate another milestone and meet other descendants.”

Ms Shaw said Australind was one of the older settlements in the State and its history was well documented.

She said the name Australind was a contraction of Australia and India in the hope it would establish trade between the two countries.

The day will kick off at Alverstoke on Clifton Road, Brunswick, at 9.30am and all descendants of passengers on the Island Queen, Parkfield, Diadem and Trusty are welcome to attend.

To register contact the society on 9796 1050 or by email alindfhs@iinet.net.au