The era of Ned Kelly and his gang is one of the most remarkable episodes in Australia's history. Spanning just two short years between 1878 and 1880 the "Kelly outbreak" has assumed epic proportions in the Australian psyche, and Ned Kelly is arguably Australia's best known historical character. His short and violent life has been a continuing inspiration for poets, writers, artists and filmmakers. Being "as game as Ned Kelly" is regarded as an admirable trait - courageous, resolute and independent.

Just who was Ned Kelly? Behind the head piece of his famous and crude suit of armour was a man of many faces. He was a common criminal. He was a hero to Irish immigrants who were persecuted by the establishment. He was a bushranger who held up a whole town, not just banks. He was intensely protective of his family and avenged a police officer's assault on his sister.

Ned was barely educated, yet his famous letters were poetic and passionate. He killed police officers, was outlawed and could be shot on sight by anyone. Yet when he was sentenced to hang, more than 30,000 people signed a petition asking for a reprieve.

Ned Kelly has never faded from our national consciousness. Indeed the passing years have served to build Kelly's legendary stature. Why? Perhaps because he had so many qualities ordinary Australians admire. He was a larrikin. Loyal to his family and ready to sacrifice himself for his mates. Represented the struggling classes. Thumbed his nose at the establishment. And he was fearless.

Whatever the truth, Ned Kelly is a central figure in the Australian national identity, characterised by his ambivalent status as both a hero and a villain, He is part of our folklore, our popular culture and our art.