Frederick Bennett, from an Irish Catholic family in Bendigo, travelled to Melbourne to seek his fortune. There he met Vida Bunting, eighth child of Samuel and Elleanora, at the beginning of the First World War. Their friendship blossomed but life didn't treat them kindly. Religious differences soon became apparent making for difficult situations. There was separation, a birth, death, kidnapping and turmoil impacting on little Nina's life. But Nina's beginnings gave her strength to face life with a cheerful outlook.