21/08/2026
Ode to our Silverback and all round legend Johno
When the stars are still out and the world is asleep,
There’s a man on the ground with a promise to keep.
Long before sunrise, he’s starting the grind,
Leaving the warmth of the blankets behind.
They call him the Silverback, steady and strong,
Wrangling the pipes where the heavy loads throng.
A concrete pump line hand, tough as they make ’em,
With weights on his shoulders, but nothing can break ’em.
He's busting his ass through the dust and the heat,
A bloody hard worker that cannot be beat.
Yet he walks on the job site and brings the whole crew
A spark of good humor that shines right on through.
Everyone lights up when Jono is near,
With a laugh that can conquer the stress and the fear.
He works for the grin on a tired man’s face,
Bringing the joy to a rugged old place.
You won't find a bloke who is more true blue,
A genuine mate who will stand up for you.
He’s a legend to many, a rock through the years,
The first one to help you and share in the cheers.
And when the long shift finally comes to an end,
He turns into baseline, a true-hearted friend.
He loves nothing more than to sit by the fire,
Where the flames and the stories lift higher and higher.
With a cold beer in hand and his mates by his side,
He looks at the day with a quiet, calm pride.
The best there has been, and the best there will be,
As solid and true as a great ironbark tree.
We raise up our glasses to honor your name,
The job and the world wouldn't quite be the same.
You’re a champion, Jono, the king of the line,
We love you, mate, and you’re doing just fine.