Person:James Unthank (1)

James was a mason, brick layer.

James, Martha, and their children Hannah 1831, Martha 1833, and James 1835 migrated to Wollongong Australia. Information provided by John Young, NSW, Australia to Marion Thornton Millett Feb 14, 2006

Wollongong is located south of Sydney. It is approximately an hour away by car and an hour and a half by train. The city is nestled between the mountains and the sea and the natural beauty of the area is breathtaking.

The city is delightful, vibrant and bustling with raw energy that seems to come from the land itself. It is a multicultural heaven for visitors. The wide range of cultures ensures a smorgasbord of cuisines that surpasses most other Australian cities. Visitors will delight in the variety of eateries available in malls, arcades and galleries throughout the city.

Wollongong is the gateway to the Illawarra coast famous for its sparkling white beaches and wonderful resorts. Beaches of neighboring areas such as Stanwell Park, Sandon Point and Coledale are easily accessible.

Historically the area was first settled by the wodi wodi aboriginal tribe. It is said that Captain Cook attempted to alight here in April of 1770 but was unable to land due to rough conditions at sea. The area was eventually settled by farmers and the timber industries. Once the Bulli Pass from Sydney was built in 1868 settlers poured in at a much faster rate. In the late 1880's a rail connection to Sydney was established and the areas famous coalmining industry was begun.

Wollongong is also noted for its steelwork industries which were developed sometime in the late 1920's and continue to flourish today. Many immigrants were lured to the city to work in the increasingly large steelworks, thus the interesting legacy of cultural events and wonderful festivals that are seen throughout the city today.

Wollongong has lovely beaches and lagoons that are some of the finest in the country. Most of the beaches are patrolled during the summer months by the best of the lifesaving community. Different beaches boast different environments, some are calm and protected, others offer large breaks for the surfing community. Ask the locals which are best for family fun. Lake Illawara offers many water sports, windsufring, sailing, fishing and prawning are among the many diverse activities available there.

James was a mason, brick layer.