Frank Cooney was a Melbourne trammie, and a Vice- President of the Tramways Union. He has also been a swaggie and an actor. Above all he is a battler, who has been caught up in many of the storms that have buffeted Australia this century and, instead of running for cover, has had a go at changing things for the better.
‘Here is an account, written with humour and honesty, of what it was like to be part of the unemployed underclass during the Great Depression. It is also the story of a spiritual odyssey which crowned a refusal to give way to despair. This is an important social record, and a source of hope for the present time.’
Hon Kim E Beazley, Federal Member for Fremantle, 1945-77
‘The old-time trammies were a Melbourne institution. Their personalities flowed right down the tram, and their humour set you up for the day. Frank was one of them. He is an ordinary man who has done extraordinary things. When you read this book, you will understand why.’
Jim Beggs, National President, Waterside Workers Federation, 1988-92
English
