The Leopold local who never stopped helping

Leopold’s Keith Pettigrew says he is humbled to receive the greatest honour of his life after more than five decades of service to the community.

Pettigrew was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours, recognised for his contribution to Leopold through a lifetime of volunteering.

His community involvement began in the 1960s with the Leopold Football and Netball Club. He later became a coach and was inducted as a life member in 1981.

In 2015, Pettigrew founded the Leopold War Memorial Committee, which oversees the construction, maintenance and commemorative services associated with the town’s war memorial.

He continues to serve as chair and president, helping coordinate local Anzac Day and Remembrance Day observances.

A former Ash Road Shopping Centre business owner and community liaison officer with the City of Greater Geelong, Pettigrew has also volunteered with the Lions Club of Leopold, the Clifton Springs Garden Club, Leopold Scout Group and Leopold Cricket Club.

“Helping people has never been a problem for me,” he said. “I’ve always been prepared to put a hand out for those in need.

“I love working with other people, that’s the biggest honour. It feels fantastic to work towards a likeminded goal with others who share a passion for it.”

Pettigrew said he was in disbelief when he learned he would receive the honour.

“I am feeling very good about it, and really quite humbled to think that someone in our community thought I was worthy,” he said.

The Pettigrew family has been in Leopold for more than 60 years, with generations coming through the local schools and sporting clubs.

Keith and his wife Judy have been part of that journey throughout.

“My family has laid some foundations with the community that will go on forever, and that makes me feel really special,” he said.

Other Bellarine recipients this year include Barwon Heads’ Rodney Bush, recognised for his service to basketball and the local community; Drysdale’s Pamela Davis, honoured for her service to her hometown; and Point Lonsdale’s Diana Sawyer, recognised for her service to communities across Barwon South West.

The late David Thorpe, also of Point Lonsdale, received posthumous recognition for his service to the community through a range of roles, including his work with the Lions Club.