Hello Listers, I am researching my late husbands family who were early settlers in the Geelong area and two sons explored the Western District. The family were THOMAS BATES & MIRA [ WHITESIDE ], who arrived in VDL in 1829 with 1 daughter and 3 sons, 2 more sons were born there. They farmed until the late 1830's, when they came to Victoria at the suggestion of " Mr Batman ", and settled in the Duck Ponds [ Geelong area ] Two sons, ALFRED HENRY & JOHN EDWARD, explored the Western District and I have an old map of Victoria with " OLD BATES HOMESTEAD ", in the KALADBRO area. Would it be too much to think that this house could possibly be still in existence ? A second map I have of Duck Ponds also shows a BATES HOMESTEAD on it, a family photo shows it is make of stone, a researcher has been unable too locate this home. I have done quite a deal of research on the Bates' family, [ and a lot has been written about them in books, alas, no photo's have been printed of any of them ] which I am willing to pass onto any one who is interested, but it is those houses which intrigue me, as well as what exploration the brothers were involved in. Another son THOMAS, was a founder of the the spring works at CLIFTON SPRINGS, . Is a Lister able to help me with any information about the Bates' or their homes, and if any photo's are still in existence, please, or tell me what avenues I can research myself. I will appreciate any help a Lister may be able to give, thanking you. Patricia Bates