Thank you MargM and Robert Kemsley (off-line) for your responses to my query re BDM certificates. I now have the confidence to go ahead and purchase certificates ro tie off that end of my Scottish/Australian ancestry. Warm regards Lyn Surrey From: "MargM" <genknut@exemail.com.au> Hi Lyn, Civil Registration of BDMs for NSW dates from 1 Mar 1856. Prior to that there are church records from 1788. These church records are on film in many libraries and you can look up for just the cost of your time. The NSW BDM Registry allows 3 transcription agents to access most of the records. You can get a transcription for usually $18 as opposed to A$31 from the Registry. There is alot of info on their web site. http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/index.htm All States have different regulations , time lines ,prices. NSW is the only Registry that allows transcription agents access. If you get stuck just ask on here . Someone/ many will help. Bye MargM Sydney List Admin