News of a baby on the way in October for Michael Firrito and his wife Bonnie have been cause for much celebration and reflection for the veteran defender.  While all North Melbourne players treat each other like family on and off the field, Michael Firrito wants those closest to him to better understand his background and relations.  

That's why the Roos' defender is preparing to delve deep into his lineage and unearth more about his rich family history.

"I want my kids to learn all about their grandparents and great-grandparents so this is a good way for me to learn so I can pass it onto them," Firrito told NMFC.com.au.

Firrito is participating in a special event next Tuesday afternoon called 'Shake Your Family Tree', run by The National Archives of Australia, to help people discover and learn more about their own family via public records.

"When you're younger you don't always pay attention to all of that sort of thing but it's important it doesn't get lost or forgotten about. I'm the youngest in my family and you don't realise how important and special it is to know about where your parents and family have come from."

Michael's parents Giuseppe Firrito and Vera Firrito (dell'Universita) will be on hand on the day and are looking forward to seeing what  sort of information they can discover.

"Mum and dad have provided them (National Archives) with all the information they have on the family and I know they're pretty excited to discover more about their parents and descendants," Firrito said.

"Mum was born here and dad moved out from Sicily when he was just 17. The National Archives have brought up dad's naturalization certificate and a few different documents like that which will be good to see.

"My grandparents have passed away now but I still have aunties, uncles and cousins back in Italy which I haven't visited since I was 21. I'm really interested in learning more about my family and looking further into my heritage with the help of their records."

Ross Gibbs National Archives Victorian Director is encouraging more families to get involved like the Firrito's and discover the historical information on offer to everyone prepared to do a bit of research.

"People are always amazed to discover what we hold about their ancestors in the archives' collection and what is available elsewhere," Gibbs said.

"In our collection they might find family service records, photographs, immigration and citizenship applications, employment records and even letters which help to build a picture of their family's past. The search is even easier now, as many of these documents are available online."

You too can attend the special 'Shake Your Family Tree' event and observe as Michael, Giuseppe and Vera Firrito discover their past.

To register to attend the event click here.

Victorian Archives Centre - Reading Room
Tuesday, April 16th 3:00pm to 4:00pm
99 Shiel Street, North Melbourne

For more information on the day and a list of events visit the National Archives website.