"Benalla is a small city in North Eastern Victoria. Here, in a tiny museum, I came across the most extraordinarily beautiful old green sash which had been awarded to the 12 year old Ned when he saved a boy from drowning. Here he was, a poor catholic boy, barefoot, existing on the lowest scale of the social pecking order, being honored by a Protestant town. At this moment of his life he was seen as brave and decent. This is interesting enough, but when you know he was wearing that green sash 15 years later when he made his last stand, the sash provides an exciting window into his character."

"I looked down at my person and seen not my bare feet my darned pullover my patched pants but a 7 ft. sash. It were peacock green embroidered with gold TO EDWARD KELLY IN GRATITUDE FOR HIS COURAGE FROM THE SHELTON FAMILY.

"At the very hour I stood before the scholars in my sash the decapitated head of the bushranger Morgan were being carried down the public highway - Benalla - Violet Town - Euroa - Avenel - perhaps it would be better had I known the true cruel nature of the world but I would not give up my ignorance even if I could. The Protestants of Avenel had seen the goodness in an Irish boy it were a mighty moment in my early life."