In the bright, breezy port of Sydney Harbour, where the waves sang against the pylons and seagulls circled the Opera sails, there lived a brave little plank named Ply Bob.
He was made of fine birch veneers, pressed strong and steady, and known across Australia for his golden heart and sturdy grain. Everyone in the timber world admired him - everyone, that is, except Chip The Board.
Chip wasn’t built like Ply Bob. His edges were rough, his middle soft, and his temper even softer. He didn’t like how people praised Bob for his strength and smoothness.
“Fancy glue and pretty layers don’t make you better than me!” he’d growl. “I’m solid through and through!”
But deep down, Chip knew his own weaknesses - he’d swell at the first sign of rain, and crack under the weight of his own pride.
One stormy morning, dark clouds rolled over the city. The wind howled between the Opera House sails, and waves slapped angrily against the docks.
That’s when the news came:
“The big timber shipment’s come loose! The crates are sliding toward the water!”
Without a thought, Ply Bob dashed to the wharf.
“Hold tight!” he shouted to the workers. “We’ll save it before it sinks!”
But before he could act, a low rumble came from the shadows.
Chip the Board stepped out, twirling his thick white moustache with a smug grin.
“Stand aside, Bob. This is my chance to show what real timber’s made of!”
The wind howled as the two wooden rivals raced toward the edge of the dock. Bob tried to brace the sliding crates, while Chip shoved with all his might , but his soft core gave way. Pieces splintered, dust flew, and he stumbled backward.
Ply Bob caught the last crate just before it toppled into the harbour, anchoring it with his sturdy grain. The Opera sails gleamed behind him as lightning flashed across the sky — a heroic sight to behold.
When the storm cleared, Chip sat slumped on the dock, his edges chipped and his pride cracked.
Bob walked over, brushing off the sawdust.
“You tried hard, Chip. But strength isn’t about being solid - it’s about standing firm when things fall apart.”
Chip the Board looked up, his moustache drooping. Then, for the first time, he smiled.
“Maybe… we should build together instead of fighting apart.”
A New Build
And so, from that day on, Ply Bob and Chip the Bboard became an unlikely team. Chip’s rough texture made perfect underlay, while Bob’s smooth veneers added strength and shine.
Together, they built the Timber Bridge of Friendship, right beside the Sydney Opera House - strong enough to weather storms, soft enough to welcome all who crossed.
When the sun set over the water, the light shimmered across their work, and the two boards stood side by side - rivals no more, but builders of a better world.
