RETIREMENT doesn’t come easy to some and for local stalwart Peter Clough this couldn’t be truer.

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Peter has been working in community development in Port Stephens for many years and was instrumental in achieving many things during his various tenures.

As Town Coordinator for Nelson Bay Town Management (now closed) Peter worked with businesses to achieve a town levy which funded key infrastructure in Nelson Bay such as the pavers which make the business precinct more amenable.

In more recent times Peter served as Business Development Manager at the Tomaree Business Chamber.

His core role was to build membership, and he has achieved just that, working with the Board to grow the membership to around 250 across the Port Stephens region.

The 75 year old has been driving change on many levels.

He is passionate, and dedicated, however Peter has decided that now is the time to step back and enjoy life.

The neglected garden is about to see a bit more time and effort invested.

Peter spoke at the launch of Business Port Stephens where he regaled the floor with stories of his long career, from being a bank teller in Wagga Wagga where he worked in pounds, shillings and pence to delivering events and community development.

It’s no surprise to those who know him, that retiring from Chamber will not see Peter retire from community advocacy.

He plans to continue as a volunteer working in various capacities on projects which are diverse and will have a high impact including one which will decide the fate of Tomaree Headland.

Peter Clough told News Of The Area, “For me the highlights at Chamber have been delivering the business breakfasts and seeing hundreds of businesses in attendance benefiting from the knowledge and quality of the guest speakers.”

Of course he also thoroughly enjoyed bringing Country To The Coast through the Blue Water Country Music Festival and is somewhat saddened that this event will not be going ahead under its previous format.

Peter has been working with the board of Chamber to secure enhanced TAFE facilities in the region.

“(Through) my involvement with the efforts to make Tertiary Education more accessible to people on the Tomaree Peninsula, particularly younger people, so that we can retain them on the peninsula, Chamber were able to successfully lobby the State government to establish the new. state of the art, Connected Learning Centre,” he said.

Business Port Stephens President Leah Anderson told News Of The Area, “We thank Peter for his contribution to the organisation and our community over his many years of service, and we hope he enjoys his retirement.”

Peter received a standing ovation from the members of the Chamber for his contribution to the community.

Peter’s wife Christine, who is also a volunteer at the business chamber, has some projects for Peter around the home and the couple are looking forward to taking some time out and travelling once border restrictions allow them to.

By Marian SAMPSON