Hello Jean & Russell,

I must have missed this the first time round, because both his marriage cert (depending on which state) and his death cert should have extensive details of parents' names and address, and numerous other details, if in NSW.
Is this his death entry?
Registration Number Last Name Given Name(s) Father's Given Name(s) Mother's Given Name(s) District Purchase Certificate
6089/1906 PRESTON JOHN H FREDERICK NYMAGEE Buy Now.

The "1906" is the year, and this is the only entry I could find for a John Preston at that date. Russell, is this correct? Because it can be bought online. See: www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/familyHistory/search.htm

However, his father's name is given as Frederick, and mother's name not given. Marriage certs are usually more reliable, because the information is given by the person himself. Where did he get married?
It could help you to buy both certs., because additional details could be given on one or the other.

Sue