Where Are They Now?
David Peachey
David Peachey was one of the best fullbacks of his era, and, to most, the finest fullback to play with the Sharks.
Now his professional playing career is over, he has moved onto his other labour of love, The David Peachey Foundation as told to Emily Pitton - Sharks Community Relations Officer.
What are you doing with yourself these days?
"I'm dividing my time between New Zealand and Australia. My Foundation has kept me really busy at home and I'm currently over in Taupo organising the logistics of bringing the Sharks over here in 2011 for their home game against NZ Warriors. I do a crazy amount of travelling but I really love what I do. The foundation was founded I guess because of my love for and interaction with indigenous communities throughout Australia trying to help talented young kids live their dreams of becoming professional athletes."
Are you still involved with rugby league?
"Yes. On top of what I'm doing with the Sharks over here in NZ, I've been doing some work with the NRL's One Community & the Souths Cares Program as an Ambassador. I've also been fortunate enough to be part of the Barefoot Rugby league Show on NiTV which has been a great experience.
The Peachey Shield and Russell Richardson Cup also keeps me busy. 2010 was the 10th year Russ and I have been running the carnival with the help of the CRL and it is going from strength to strength - 250 primary schools and 2500 kids covering an area from Lithgow, out to Bourke and up to the QLD border, including all points between. Russ and I really love the communities with the opportunity to play footy. This year Sharks player Reece Williams was good enough to come out to the finals and he was mobbed by kids all day who wanted photos, autographs and a yarn."
Do you miss playing?
"Absolutely. I've has quite a few games in the bush here and there, a couple of 'Legends of League' games plus a few games for remote NQ QLD communtities whenever there is a carnival on. As soon as i smell the liniment I always find myself standing around holding a pair of boots - just in case!"
Do you have any advice for the young guys comming though?
"Just to really enjoy your time, learn as much as you can and to also make sure your education is also a priority. Good time managment and self-discpline will ensure you can achive more than one goal. My other bit of advice would be to never forget where you came from and always try to give somethng back to your community."
What have you got planned for 2011?
"2011 is going to be a huge year, especially with my foundation. We will be running 5 culture immersion, youth leadership and mentoring camps in outback NSW and far North QLD. It's really great that the Sharks are part of several of these programs. We have now supported 21 kids through scholarships and grants plus another 8 kids who receive ongoing support and mentoring. Of these 21:
- 3 are currently studying at University.
- 8 have been provided with overseas student exchange opportunities.
- All but 1 has either completed or are currenty completing their secondary education.
One of our scholarship holders is Evelyn Willie who is an amazing singer/ actor from Nanima Aborigional mission in North Western NSW. The foundation provided Evelyn with a student and cultural exchange to Spain 18 months ago and she recently graduted from the NSW talent development program and directed her first musical at the State Theatre in Sydney. Following her graduation we took Evelyn to Uluru where she performed in front of the Asia/Pacific leadership team from Microsoft who were blown away by her performance. We are now providing funds of $10,000 for Evelyn to make her debut album."
Finally, who will win the 2011 premiership?
"The Sharks of course!"
