I am also descended from the Helbach family from Thuringia, and we received a letter from a Dr. Bernhard Helbach from Boppard in 1971 detailing the family history. My great grandfather was Anton Josef Helbach, who married Catherine Wolhuter in South Africa before settling in Australia in 1865. The family in Australia spells the name Helback. I am sure we are related in some way, and would love to exchange information with you.