DISTRICT GOVERNOR, PETER BLOM OAM

Peter emerged at St Margaret’s Hospital in Sydney in 1949. He spent his early years growing up in Watsons Bay before the family moved to Baulkham Hills in 1958. He was educated at St Mary’s Cathedral College in Sydney where he obtained his Higher School Certificate in 1968.

Upon leaving school Peter was employed by the E.S & A Bank (now ANZ Bank) where he worked for 17 years. During this time he met his wife, Carmel, and they married in 1974. They have two children Lyndal born in 1978 and Nicholas born in 1980

With Peter being an only child and both his parents having passed away and having no family in Sydney the family decided it was time for a “sea change” and to move to Carmel’s home town of Tamworth. The family used to spend holidays in Tamworth and thought it would be a great place to raise a family.

Peter and Carmel purchased the franchise for an Indoor Cricket Arena in Tamworth and ran that for a few years before selling it. Peter was then employed by Telstra in the Administration Area where he worked for 25 years until 2008 when he got the tap on the shoulder and accepted a redundancy package.

Along the way Peter has always been an active member of the community. He has held many positions with many organizations including President of Parents & Friends Association, Treasurer of Scully Park Swimming Club, Treasurer of Tamworth Senior Citizens, Committee Member of Tamworth Pastoral & Agricultural Association, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Fund Raising Group to name some.

Peter’s passion however is Rugby League particularly the Parramatta Eels (he even had a blue and gold colour theme for his wedding). Since moving to Tamworth he has become heavily involved in Rugby League where he has held many positions including Treasurer & Assistant Secretary of Group 4 Rugby League, delegate to Oxley Region Rugby League, President of Group 4 Junior Rugby League, President of Tamworth & District Minor Rugby League, President of Peel Schools Rugby League Carnival and Secretary/Treasurer of Dungowan Rugby League Club.

In 2009 Peter was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to Rugby League and the Tamworth Community.

Peter became a Lion by accident in 2004. The local member of Parliament, Peter Draper, thought it would be good for the community to establish a Lions Club at Dungowan, a small community South of Tamworth, and before he knew it Peter was not only a member of the Lions Club but also President. Knowing nothing about Lions along with the other 25 or so members Peter set about learning about Lions. During this period of education and enlightenment Peter has learnt that there is always more to learn about the Lions organization. Peter was President of Dungowan for three years before another member was confident enough to put up his hand and take over the Presidency. Peter was then a Zone Chairman for two years before taking on the positions of Second Vice District Governor, First Vice District Governor and is now District Governor (2011-2012)

TODAY’S YOUTH, TOMORROW’S LIONS