Peter became a Rotarian through his experience of seeking funds for the basketball club he was involved with. He made regular visits to his local club to explain how the donation had been used. On one of his visits a member asked him if he would like to join. With flexible working arrangements in the middle of the day, the scheduled meeting time, he thought to himself "Why not?" So began twenty two years in Rotary, including being President four times and involvement in numerous District initiatives. Peter had the unique experience of inducting his mother and father into his club during one of the presidencies. His father went onto to be President three times.

 

Peter has embraced many professional opportunities during his working life. He quickly realised that accountancy wasn't going to work out for him so he took up a position involving data entry with AMP Insurance. Subsequent to that he worked for BlockBuster Video in Western Australia and oversaw the Retail Department of Crown for twelve years. He is currently working at the Queen Victoria market. This wide range of experience has embedded in Peter the importance of flexibility and collaboration. He applies this to his leadership of Rotary and places great importance on working together with neighbouring clubs and the community.

 

Peter is overseeing an audit process which will identify the priorities of each club and details of the projects where funds are expended. The results of this will be circulated in the hope that clubs band together and collaborate on similar projects. Peter sees Rotaract as an important link between traditional Rotary Clubs and an emerging interest among young people in service and social justice. It was interesting to note the number of club members who have taken that pathway to becoming Rotarians. Peter places great importance on identifying the passions of members then giving them the opportunity to exercise those passions in service of the community. 

 

Creating a sense of belonging is a hallmark of a successful club. Most members joined Rotary because someone asked them and then having joined they discover a place they can call home. It is very pleasing to note the number of charter members who are still members of Bendigo Sandhurst. Peter highlighted the wonderful work of the Rotary Foundation and gave every encouragement for our club to make applications for the grants which are available. He also encouraged members to attend the Rotary Conference on March 27-29 next year in Horsham. All agreed we are in good hands under Peter's enthusiastic and passionate leadership. We thank him for taking the time to be with us.

- Jim