About Peter
The eldest of three children, Peter was born in Leicester, England. His family moved to Australia as ‘ten pound Poms’ in 1971 when he was just nine years old. On arrival in Brisbane, Peter's family settled into the family home in Cornubia, located at the southern end of the Redlands electorate. As a youngster, Peter grew up playing in the parks around Loganholme and fishing in Redland Bay.
Leaving high school after completing Grade 10, Peter commenced an apprenticeship in painting and decorating. For almost ten years Peter plied his trade as a painter, working all over Brisbane and the Gold Coast and lending his expertise to the development of some fairly iconic sites including the Hyperdome at Logan, Sanctuary Cove and the Breakfast Creek Wharf.
After ten years of swinging a brush Peter decided it was time to try something new. He took on a labourer’s job with the railways in NSW for twelve months before accepting a number of sales and company representative positions, which kept him busy travelling and meeting with local businesses.
Peter was first elected to the position of Division 4 Councillor representing Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island in 2000 with the (then) Redland Shire Council. His affinity with people and obvious dedication to the region resulted in local residents re-electing him to Council again in both 2004 and 2008. As a Councillor Peter was a representative on Water and Waste Committee for 2 years; Chairman of the Development Assessment Committee for four years; and Deputy Mayor for three years.
Peter has a strong record of serving the local community and over the years has been involved with many local organisations including 101FM Radio Logan (Foundation member); SES Mt Tamborine; school P&C associations; Neighbourhood Watch programs;Meals on Wheels;Qld Cancer Council; Progress Associations;Keep Australia Beautiful campaigns; and the Graffiti removal squad.
Peter and his wife Helen have been married for twenty-seven years and have successfully raised two children. The family are long term residents of the area, living in Victoria Point for the past seventeen years.
Peter is a keen ski paddler and takes every opportunity available to get out onto the water near his home. He has also a regular cyclist and has participated in charity rides and other events including the Brisbane-Gold Coast 100km challenge. A self-confessed petrol head, Peter admits to enjoying just about every form of motor sport there is. He is also a keen angler and a very ordinary golfer.
Elected as the State Member for Redlands in May 2009, Peter has a wealth of real world experience to bring to State Parliament and together with wife Helen, is looking forward to the challenges ahead.