Ricky Set in Sydney NSW in 1840's over about 30 years. Ricky & his mother emigrate from England to join his father in the new Colony of Sydney. On arrival there is no sign of his dad. Ricky's mum uses the tiny amount of money they have left the get lodgings in a run down building. Things go from bad to worse when his mother dies and he is thrown out of the lodgings and all their possessions are confiscated by the caretakers. Ricky finds himself living on the Streets of Sydney Town as a street waif. He finds safe places to sleep and befriends freed convicts who can help him survive. One day he...

Set in England & Australia 1837 to Bathurst in 1850's & 60's. "Mattie" is the story of a girl who is typical of the many convicts who came to Australia during its first 75 years. Mattie was born in England and spent the first of her childhood in a foundling home. She was taken from the home and put to work on a dairy farm, a cold and uncomfortable life. In 1837 her master charged her with stealing when she took some food to feed some hungry children and was convicted to serve seven years in New South Wales, arriving in 1838. In the gaol she meets some unpleasant women but also finds a friend...