On Boxing Day 1986, Peter, his wife Michelle and two young daughters moved to Camden Haven, setting up home in Kew.

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Peter worked as a dairy farmer and volunteered with Landcare.

Peter and Michelle have four daughters and seven grandchildren, all of whom reside in the Hastings region.

With a passion for volunteering, Peter has clocked up over 35 years in the Rural Fire Service and was active in the P&C for 21 years at his daughters’ school.

Nine years ago Peter became President of Creek to Creek, a not-for-profit group restoring the Queens Lake Trail to make it accessible for people with mobility challenges.

At this time, approximately one third of the trail has been restored with timber walkways and an accessible path.

“When we finish this boardwalk, the residents in the nursing home can come down here, sit and watch the water instead of staring at the walls in their room,” said Peter.

The trail design has a section with two seats and plenty of space for wheelchairs.

Peter shared a story of an elderly lady who was brought down in her bed to see the pristine waters of the lake.

“It’s not about the boardwalk, it’s not about the trail,” he told NOTA.

“It’s about the impact given by making the lake accessible to everyone in the community.”

Supporting the restoration work is the Laurieton Multisport Challenge, a local event for enthusiasts of trail running, kayaking, and mountain biking which draws entrants from the Central Coast to Coffs Harbour.

The purpose of the Challenge is to raise money for the next addition to the restoration.

The next iteration is being held in March 2025.

If Peter had one wish for the Camden Haven community, what would it be?

“In the Camden Haven there are nine separate pathways, and I want them all to join,” said Peter.

“Imagine being able to park your car, to walk, ride or run on all nine pathways without having to move your car, or walk on a road to get to the next pathway.”

We love this idea too Peter!