No slowing down for Blackwood volunteer
Local
Peter Sawley was attending the St Paul of the Cross Church in Blackwood recently when he realised his name was being talked about in public.
Only it was not in English, with parish priest Fr Paul Mwaura offering a few words in his native Swahili language.
Then Peter’s long-term friend Bob McEvoy began bagging Peter, albeit in jest, as the superlatives rained down. Eighty-two-year-old Peter Sawley, the congregation was told, had just been awarded an OAM in the King’s Birthday Honours list the citation being for ‘Education and Community services’.
Like many recipients, he thought it might be a scam on receiving the email notification This was followed by three months ‘torture’ of not being able to speak to anyone about it prior to a public announcement.
“It’s weird. I am just staggered,” Peter said ahead of the September service at Government House Adelaide, where he will be supported by family members.
His CV of good works is quite staggering. For 32 years he was a science and class teacher at Sacred Heart College, retiring in 2012 but this stint is a mere ripple on his resume.
Peter is actively involved in the communities of St Paul of the Cross and Our Lady of the Way (two of the three Mass centres of the Holy Family parish).
“He is a truly valued member of the community, who gives generously and quietly,” said Deacon Tee Ping Koh, from Holy Family parish.
“At St Paul of the Cross he opens and closes up the church for Sunday Mass at the crack of dawn, even in the dark in the Adelaide Hills wintry morning when it’s cold, foggy and wet.
“He is a welcomer for Sunday 7.30am Mass, greeting and welcoming everyone to the Eucharistic celebration.”
There is also his Pedal Prix voluntary work, his leadership of the World Solar Challenge with TAFE and his many years working on the finance committee at the (then) Blackwood and Belair parish.
Despite the hours taken up by these activities Peter found time in 2005, with others, to develop Energy Education Australia Incorporated (a national non-profit association energising young people to succeed in science, technology, engineering and maths related education).
As a VET trainer and assessor, Peter was asked to help young and disadvantaged youth in the Murraylands obtain a white card, which allows them to work in the construction industry.
Many were unable to find work, however, for the simple reason that they did not have a driver’s licence. At this point, he helped set up the learner driver program, L2P Murraylands.
L2P Murraylands was created to help (mostly) young people who had no access to a vehicle or a supervisory driver to complete the 75 hours required to fulfill a learner driver’s requirements.
The program has broadened to assisting people on low incomes, as well as recently arrived migrants and refugees.
A team of 12 volunteers helps keep the car on the road, racking up more than 40 hours of practice over seven days.
Peter said getting about without a car can be prohibitive to many young people in Murray Bridge, with fuel and insurance putting a strain on the budget.
The program is heavily reliant on volunteers and dependent upon fundraising and grants.
Peter said Murray Bridge could be a two-hour trip to the city by bus, interchanging in Mt Barker, which caused huge barriers to finding work or further education.
“Youth wishing to undertake practical tertiary studies rely heavily on this bus system that cuts into their day by four hours, several times a week,” Peter said.
“Having a driver’s license helps them become independent and able to pursue their chosen career.”
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