Peak Hill resident, Peter Cannon said he always thinks people who receive an Australia Day honour are ‘just so deserving.’
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Now he has one himself - receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in today’s list for ‘service to the community through fire and emergency services organisations.’
“I never ever expected something like this,” he said.
“I am exceptionally pleased.
“You never think of receiving such an honour, you just do what you feel you should do.
“Whenever I see the people who receive these honours, I think they are just so deserving.
“I am extremely proud to be among them and wear this honour.”
Peter said he was particularly thrilled that the nomination came from his peers.
“That is the ultimate acknowledgement,” he said.
“It has not come from a bureaucrat.
“If I was not doing my job, I wouldn’t have received this nomination.”
Born and raised in Tomingley and now living between Parkes and Dubbo (in the Parkes shire), Peter has been involved in the rural fire service for much of his life.
He started at the bottom and has worked his way up to senior positions with many different brigades.
He has also been on committees which monitor the well being of the RFS volunteers.
Peter has also been willing to fight for his community whenever needed.
“If there is a problem, I believe we should fight for it and try to get the right result.”
Peter and his wife, Val have four children.
The youngest at 26 is severly disabled and is a client of Currajong Disability Services.
“We have strong family and other support in looking after him,” he said.
“Val has always been very supportive and I am most appreciative of her backing me all the way. Otherwise I would not be in a position to do anything.”
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Mr Peter Joseph CANNON, 'Yeronga', Peak Hill.
Group Captain, Parkes Group 5, New South Wales Rural Fire Service (RFS), includes Peak Hill, Mickibri and Waratah Brigades, since 2001; Captain, Waratah Brigade, 1995-2003; Member, since 1966; Member, Tomingley Brigade, 1966-1979;
Bush Fire Management Committee;
Volunteer Representative, Mid Lachlan Valley Team - Forbes; Member, Executive Committee/Sub-Committee - Forbes.
Volunteer Member, Parkes Senior Management Committee.
President, Volunteer Fire Fighters Association, since 2004; Foundation Steering Committee Member, 2004.
Executive Councillor, Region 5 Central West, New South Wales Farmers Association, 2004-2013; Member, Grains Committee, 2010-2013.
President, Peak Hill Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association, 2000-2002.
Past Chairman, Wheat Grower's Action Group, 2008-2009.
