Self-described "family historian" Wendy Selman has always had a fascination with history, and her passion has been officially recognised.
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The Bowral resident has been a member of the Fellowship of First Fleeters since 1996, and was awarded a Life Membership in December.
The organisation brings history enthusiasts and descendants of those who arrived on the First Fleet on January 26, 1788, together.
Members have the opportunity to learn more about their lineage.
"I was deeply touched, I didn't expect it," she said.
"It meant a great deal to me."
Mrs Selman dedicated more time to learning about her heritage after she retired and relocated to the Highlands.
She became a part of the Highlands chapter of Fellowship of First Fleeters, which formed in 2004 and ended in 2020.
"[It] opened up the community, [it] felt like I was always in the Highlands," she said.
The chapter worked on historical displays at the Berrima Museum, Harper's Mansion and council chambers, as well as Anzac Day services and the Stitched with Love Heritage Festival exhibition.
Mrs Selman's relative, Edward Risby, was put on the First Fleet, after he was arrested for stealing three yards of broadcloth in 1780.
He was then arrested again in 1783, before he was sentenced in 1784 to seven years, and transported to Botany Bay.
He did not see his wife and children again and travelled in squalor with other convicts, and survived two mutinies.
The ship voyaged from the Thames, to Cape Town, then Port Jackson, where Mr Risby worked as a sawyer on HMS Sirius, before he was sent with the first group of convicts to Norfolk Island.
He became a free man in 1791 - he accquired farm land, remarried, and had children.
The family was then relocated to Van Diemen's Land where they continued farming.
One of Mr Risby's sons moved to Maitland after his father's death and when the property was sold.
That line of the family has remained in Maitland and Newcastle since.
"It's been an interesting journey," she said.
"Sometimes you discover things you don't expect - some things you're proud of, some [are] amazing.
"We need an honest history and encourage people to find out who they are and discover a rich cultural background."
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