The Italian-speaking settlers of nineteenth century Daylesford were among the first sizeable group of non-English speakers to contest the prevailing Anglo-centricism and to help pave the way towards Australia's multicultural future. The examination of this group interweaves the particular histories of fifteen families with thematic chapters which: define the nature of the emigrant community and the reasons for departure from the homeland; relate the journey to the ports of Melbourne and Sydney as a rite
of passage to settlement; describe the early experiences of the Italian speakers as miners and labourers; explore their drift into traditional occupations as farmers and
business people in the Daylesford community; and examine their family life and attempts to reconstruct a European life-style in Australia while recognising a growing
commitment to an 'Australian' way of life.