Nelson Bay's Peter Arnold was this week awarded an Order of the Australian Medal (OAM) in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his service to rugby league. To the local sporting fraternity, the recognition could quite conceivably have been for his devotion and dedication to sport in general in Port Stephens.
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"It came as quite a surprise ... of course one doesn't get involved in this work to win awards. I started by helping out with my sons' teams and with a desire to contribute," said the 76-year-old, who moved from his birthplace in Waratah to the Bay 50 years ago.
"When I reflect on what we were able to achieve in those early days of rugby league I cannot help but feel thankful to the many people who contributed and of course the support of my wife (Judith) and family. It has been a great journey and this [OAM] has been a great honour."
Following a brief stint coaching rugby union, Peter moved across to Nelson Bay rugby league in 1981 where he went on to serve the club as committeeman, secretary and president. He was president when the North Nelson Bay Marlins entered the Newcastle Rugby League and continued his volunteer work with the Northern Blues and later Port Stephens Sharks.
"In the early days playing in the second division we were a bit of a powerhouse, winning a few grand finals and packing out the old Anna Bay Oval. The support from the community was fantastic."
Peter joined the Men of League, a charitable foundation which provides practical and financial assistance as well as social support to those associated with the game, 14 years ago and became Port Stephens branch secretary (and founding member) in 2017.
He was also foundation member of the Nelson Bay Blue Marlins winter swimming club which has raised thousands of dollars for Port Stephens charities, and a foundation member of the Angel Billy golf day which remains a major contributor to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
He has also been a regular contributor to the Examiner sports pages since 1994, penning his now popular Sports Shorts columns.
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