John Dengate was a master of the Australian vernacular and the use of colloquialism in his verses was a joy to behold. Born and bred in the north-western suburbs of Sydney (as was I, a few years later), John wrote about the world around him and about the impact of social change from a personal, very human perspective, including some stunningly evocative stories from his own family history.

John wasn't a political dissenter just for the sake of it. He was never going to let politicians get away with pomposity and hubris without a fight ... I mean a 'song'. He fervently believed that the bastards should be doing better than they are, and that meant they're fair game.

We've lost a very fine poet, political satirist, social commentator and mate.

Vale John Dengate