Home-Grown Heroes awards honour locals who make a difference

HE may not believe it but to those around him, Peter Hodgson is a local hero.

The unassuming grandfather from Cockburn has devoted many years to the Cockburn Community Men’s Shed, going above and beyond the call of duty as a volunteer.

“Everyone needs a reason to get out of bed in the morning,” Peter said. “I don’t do this to fill holes in my life, I do it because it enhances my life.”

He is just one local who deserves to be celebrated as nominations open for the Home-Grown Heroes awards, proudly supported by Eliza Ponds Land Estate.

The awards aim to recognise outstanding contributions by individuals in the Cockburn area in a voluntary capacity and highlight the positive effect their service has on the community.

“Peter puts in more hours than he needs to but the reward he gets is seeing the guys improve,” shed co-ordinator Mike Murphy said.

“It’s about time people are recognised for what they do.”

Next month, two community volunteers, including one youth winner, will be honoured as Cockburn’s Home-Grown Heroes for 2019 and share a cash prize worth $5000 thanks to a generous contribution from Eliza Ponds.

“Eliza Ponds has proudly supported the local Cockburn community for many years,” Eliza Ponds Land Estate development director Brad Carey said.

“This year we saw an opportunity to get involved in a special way and celebrate our community’s unsung heroes.”

Giving back comes naturally for Peter, who said the reward far exceeded the work he put in volunteering at the shed.

If you know someone like Peter from the Cockburn community, nominate them for a Home-Grown Heroes Award at homegrownhero.com.au.

Voting closes Thursday, October 31.