Peter named Citizen of the Year, recognised for tireless work with local organisations

was recognised for serving over 50 years of volunteering

and community service work on Wednesday when

he was named the Shire’s Citizen of the Year, at

Australia Day celebrations in Heritage Park.

Mayor Bruce Kingham presented Mr Stonestreet

with the accolade in front of a healthy crowd who

enjoyed a free breakfast cooked by local Rotary Club

volunteers.

Among Peter’s long list of achievements was his

involvement with the Blayney Show society, where he

organised working bees and was a steward.

“Peter was the driving force behind Barry Bushfire

Brigade obtaining its first tanker and spent many hours

converting an ex-army blitz truck into a fire tanker,” Cr

Kingham said.

“As a member of the Blayney Anglican Church,

Peter has made a significant contribution, serving on

many committees.”

Mr Stonestreet’s work with a group of nine other

community members in fundraising to build an outdoor

pool in Blayney was also recognised.

“Despite being ridiculed about this project they

sought to continue raising funds with one philosophy in

mind; If one child’s life is saved as a result of the pool

being constructed it has been worthwhile,” Cr Kingham

said.

Mr Stonestreet said he was humbled to receive the

award and pointed to his on-going work with the

Blayney Anglican Retirement Village as one of the

highlights of his life.

“The retirement village started 32 years ago when

we raised funds to build four units, after lobbying and

getting support from Blayney Shire Council over the

years we now have 29 units,” he said.

Mr Stonestreet was joined by family and friends at

the awards ceremony.

He said if there was one message he could give to

young people it would be “don’t be frightened to get in

and get behind something you believe in”.

Pictured right: LOCAL HERO: Peter

Stonestreet was humbled to be announced as our

Citizen of the Year.