Alfred James Gilsenan was a man known in Paynesville (Victoria) for his tireless work in support of the town and community. During his life time his work was acknowledged in the naming of Gilsenan Avenue and the A.J. Gilsenan Reserve. But who was he? The story of how he became that man began long before his arrival in Paynesville. In fact, it began long before his birth. The book deals with the development of the fishing industry in Paynesville, the introduction of the iceworks and Gilsenan's contribution to the community.