Meet Peter Bannon
Each year, the Armidale Regional Council hosts the ARC Australia Day Awards. This event expresses our gratitude to the quiet achievers of Armidale, who support, promote, and improve our community. In 2016, one such person was Peter Bannon — client of Home Nursing Group and winner of the Senior Citizen of the Year Award.
After serving with the Royal Australian Navy through Vietnam in 1967, Peter “came back fried” and suffered from PTSD. He explains how he learned to take charge of his emotions so they wouldn’t get the best of him. He moved to Armidale in 1978, and decided to prove to the world that he still had plenty more to give. Having always been interested in the rights and responsibilities of people living with disabilities, Peter became involved in the Disability Action Plan, then became a Justice of the Peace in 1984.
From there, his community commitment continued to grow. Today, Peter is a Trustee of the RSL Sub Branch, an active member of Armidale’s Access Advisory Committee, a supporter of Legacy’s fundraising activities, a former coordinator for Camp Quality, and has been a member of Rotary for 24 years — with a perfect attendance record.
When asked to share a pearl of wisdom, Peter’s advice was simply to be kind and avoid conflict.
“Most situations can be resolved by talking. That’s been my experience in life.”
He also shared with us a major value that he holds close to his heart: don’t buy into self-pity.
“There’s no use saying ‘I can’t do that’,” Peter asserts. “That’s the same as saying ‘I can’t be buggered trying’.
Peter was endearingly suspicious of his win, confessing that he is still unsure of who nominated him. Nonetheless, he is determined to continue doing what he has always done — living life to the fullest.
“You never know what the future holds,” he says. “Do things while you can. No one can do it for you.”
A proud Vietnam Veteran, a figurehead in the community, and a terrific bloke to boot, Peter is a deserving and valued winner of the ARC Australia Day Awards. Congratulations Peter, from all of us here at Home Nursing Group.