Sport
9 August, 2023
“Humbled” Peter becomes TJRL Volunteer of the Year
Peter Waddell was awarded Toowoomba’s Junior Rugby League’s Volunteer of the Year last Saturday night.
Peter is usually not seen at club games, as he spends most of his time on game day up in the announcer’s box, only appearing during the week to do weeding and gardening maintenance on the grounds.
The club stalwart is the ground announcer for Oakey Junior Rugby League games and acts as the club’s groundskeeper.
In his acceptance speech, he paid tribute to the late Oakey Bears and Oakey JRL Life Member Alan St. John, who manned the Trevor Mickelburgh ticket stalls for over 15 years.
Peter’s wife, and Club Vice-President Rachel Waddell said her husband was an unassuming man, who didn’t look for recognition for his work.
“Any job that needs doing, he’ll be one of the first to volunteer,” she said.
“He likes to do work behind the scenes, but is very chuffed.”
Oakey Junior Rugby League was represented at the awards night at the Cathedral Centre by players Ethan Altodonna (son of club President Adam) and club captain Hayden Waddell (son of Peter and vice president Rachel).
The boys “did the club proud” at the occasion in Toowoomba.
