Meals on Wheels Aldinga volunteer Peter Whiting has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the King's Birthday Honours, celebrating a lifetime of service to community organisations across South Australia.

For Peter, volunteering has always been about giving back.

After a successful career spanning accounting, information technology and auditing, Peter retired from full-time work in 2002. Reflecting on the many people who had supported him throughout his life and career, he made a decision to use his skills to help others.

What began as a commitment to assist local community groups soon grew into decades of dedicated volunteer service. Peter became the auditor for more than 50 not-for-profit organisations, including sporting clubs, churches, charities and community groups, helping them meet important governance and financial requirements.

“A lot of people helped me through the years, so volunteering was a way to contribute. My mother volunteered for Meals on Wheels a long time ago.”

His Meals on Wheels journey started in 2002 as a meal delivery volunteer with the West Torrens branch. Following a move to Port Willunga, Peter joined Meals on Wheels Aldinga in 2006 and later became involved with the Christies Beach branch in 2017. At both branches he took on the role of Treasurer, contributing countless hours to ensure the organisations remain financially strong and well-positioned to support their communities.

While Peter's professional expertise has been invaluable, he says the greatest reward has been the people he has met along the way.

“The Meals on Wheels slogan Great Food, Great People is very apt. I’ve met so many great people along the way and I’d encourage others to volunteer and do the same.”

Through his volunteer work, Peter has built lasting connections with fellow volunteers, staff and customers, all united by a shared commitment to supporting others. He credits the encouragement of friends, colleagues and his family for inspiring and supporting his community involvement over many years.

Peter's OAM is a fitting recognition of his dedication, generosity and commitment to strengthening the organisations and communities he serves. 

“I am humbled by it all to be honest. There are so many others that deserve it. I’m lucky!”

He was also impressed by the sheer amount of research that needed to be undertaken about his life as part of the nomination process.

 Congratulations, Peter, and thank you for your outstanding contribution to Meals on Wheels and the wider South Australian community.