30/08/2026
REMEMBERING CUMMO - 20 YEARS ON
WATCH THE MEMORIAL VIDEO
This special video celebrating the life and legacy of John ‘Cummo’ Cummins was shown at Victorian Trades Hall at a memorial evening marking the 20th anniversary of his passing.
Cummo - legendary trade unionist, fighter and mate - passed away on August 29 2006 aged just 58, after a 13-month battle with brain cancer.
For many who stood alongside him through the great battles of the building industry, Cummo wasn't simply a great union leader. They believe he was one of the greatest Australia has ever produced.
A much-loved official of the BLF and CFMEU, Cummo was a master strategist, formidable negotiator and fearless campaigner.
But perhaps his greatest strength was that he never lost sight of who he was fighting for.
Working people. The members.
Cummo helped generations of building workers win better wages, safer conditions and greater dignity at work. He helped civilise a dangerous industry where workers had too often paid for a living with their health - and sometimes their lives.
His fight for others continues through the John Cummins Memorial Fund, which has raised millions of dollars to assist people diagnosed with brain tumours and support disadvantaged young people.
Twenty years on, Cummo's legacy isn't simply something we remember.
It's something the union movement carries forward.
And perhaps, looking back at a lifetime spent fighting for working people, Cummo might quietly say:
“You've done yourself a treat, Cummo.”
Dare to struggle. Dare to win.
