The Australian Legend has been forged through the hard work and independent, adventurous spirit of Australia's first pioneer settlers. Their experiences of Australia's defining and pinnacle moments and the toil associated with the harsh land, has allowed the legend to become an identity. A.B.Facey, in his autobiography, A Fortunate Life, embodies the Australian ideal. Throughout his life, he experiences defining moments in his nation's history. These events come to exalt the qualities of camaraderie, tolerance and perseverance. Through meeting adversity, Australian's have developed a mischievous, laconic spirit, which has become uniquely Australian. From a troublesome childhood, Facey became a pioneer bushman, with a respect, appreciation and fascination for nature. During the Gallipoli campaign he experienced the cult of mate-ship. He repeatedly overcame adversity and can be truly described as an "Aussie battler". He was part of the Union movement that gave Australian workers a "fair go", typifying the egalitarian society. He also lived through the Great Depression, which spread throughout Australia in the 1930's. Facey sustains oral tradition of telling and recording his story in a candid, relaxed style.
             Albert Facey was born in Maidstone, Victoria during the pioneering years. Throughout his childhood he suffered immensely and this forced him to mature at an early age. Facey lost his father at age two and along with his siblings, was soon after abandoned by his mother. He was cared for by his grandmother and his aunt and uncle on the gold fields, however when he was eight he was sent to work on other farms. Facey lived a tough, lonely and sometimes brutal life. At just age ten he was whipped so savagely by one employer that he nearly died, and later he escaped by walking back to his uncle's farm wearing rags for shoes.
             Despite the hardships he endured, Facey remained hopeful and ...