17/04/2026
It took me 39 years to thank my dad properly.
Congratulations to my father, Chris Alebakis, on being inducted into the Australian Fencing Awards Industry Legnds 2026. 🏆
But .......... this post isn't really about the award.
It's about the late nights. The exhausted eyes. The hammer and nail – because back then, there were no nail guns. Just him, a fence, and three kids waiting at home.
I remember him coming home after a long day's work – dirty, drained, running on empty – and still finding the energy to play with us.
Every. Single. Night.
Being a father myself now? I have no idea how he did it.
It's taken me nearly four decades to understand the weight he carried. And not just him – my mother too, for always holding down the fort while dealing with us lot.
I got my love for this trade sitting in the ute on Saturdays, watching him quote jobs. Sometimes we worked weekends. But mostly, I just stood in awe. He had this way with clients – warm, honest, genuine. They didn't just hire him. They loved him.
Because he loves what he does.
This isn't a job for us. It's our life.
So congratulations, Chrisso. If anyone deserved the Hall of Fame, it's you. That's for sure.
But this post is also for every parent out there who comes home tired but still shows up.
The ones working with their hands until they ache – then using those same hands to build forts, kick balls, and wipe away tears.
The ones who don't wait for applause.
The ones who just keep going.
To every mum and dad working double shifts, working a trade, working themselves to the bone so their kids can have more – We see you.
And one day, your kids will too.
It might take 39 years.
But they will.
As Kevin Bloody Wilson would say... NIGELLLLLLLL... F*****G LEGEND!!!! That's you, Chrisso. Hall of Fame worthy and still somehow put up with us three little shts. Unreal. Love ya, Dad. ❤️🔨*
Who taught you what hard work really looks like? Tag them below. 👇
rds,
