A new resource

 If you have ancestors who came via America or Canada  The Sydney Scheme  is a resource that could help you find them.  Here is what the website says about the scheme:

"The First American Emigrant Ships

1877 saw a milestone in the USA with the first ever shipload of emigrants choosing to leave the country. An economic depression was in full force and the Colonial New South Wales Government saw an opportunity.  

NSW was growing and the government wanted workers, so they authorized the American firm RW Cameron and Co to vet applicants in New York. They were offering them a significantly subsidized passage to Sydney. Many of those taking up the offer were English and Irish migrants who had struggled to survive in the USA, but a significant number were Americans and Canadians. The American newspapers called it the Sydney Scheme.

Five ships were sent from New York before the scheme was abandoned. Nearly one thousand men, women and children set sail and all their names can be found in the passenger lists. 

This website provides in depth analysis of the American and Canadian passengers. Simply search for them on the North American Immigrants page to see what other sources have been uncovered for them."

The site provides passenger lists, correspondence (including letters from ships' staff), Railway Passes and Newspaper articles.  A very useful resource if you have ancestors that may have come via America.