Enduring Spirit Award

The aim of the Enduring Spirit Award is to recognise the esteemed military values within a veteran who has made a meaningful impact in their community.

Pete's Background

Pete Shefford was born in Albury, NSW, and joined the Army after High School. He served with RAEME and spent most of his military career at the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville, QLD, as an Avionics Technician on S-70A Blackhawk and UH-1H Iroquois helicopters. A decade later, he was discharged from the Army and undertook university studies to become a high school teacher, reflecting his desire to help others.

Pete has dedicated himself to volunteering in various grassroots sports for the past four decades. He has consistently worked behind the scenes to ensure that hard work is recognised and that things run smoothly, allowing others to enjoy the benefits on the surface. As an international coach, grassroots referee, representative player, national selector, and established award-winning sports administrator, Pete has been deeply involved in his beloved Rugby League and Touch Football sports. He often steps up when others do not.

In addition to his sports contributions, Pete also raises money for organisations such as the Cancer Council, Ronald McDonald House, and Movember (Men’s Health). His life philosophy can be summed up as follows: “Don’t give me excuses; give me results.”

Pete’s efforts have seen him coach in four countries internationally, the most recent being Head Coach with Touch Canada at the World Cup in 2024. He has been awarded the VicSport Volunteer and Coach of the Year awards and three Australia Day awards for sports administration, community volunteer, and citizen of the year. He has twice been a finalist in the prestigious Eunice Gill Leadership in Sport awards and was awarded a Distinguished Service to NQ Sport Award just weeks after his diagnosis.

Pete's Journey

  • Life-Changing Diagnosis

    Sadly, within weeks of his 50th birthday, Pete was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic bowel cancer. He was immediately admitted to hospital for bowel surgery before commencing a regime of chemotherapy and was issued with a life expectancy of approximately 2 years. A prediction he has so far smashed out of the park!

  • A Legacy of Strength and Service

    Loyal. Dedicated. Passionate. Selfless. Courageous. Inspiring. All words used to describe Pete Shefford by his peers and arguably reflective of those values instilled in him during his time in the Australian Army. These have been the foundation of Pete’s life journey to date, and he doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon, despite the medical hurdles he is confronted with. In early 2023, Pete was awarded his third Australia Day award, this one as Citizen of the Year; his list of community involvement is extensive and, unfortunately, beyond the realms of this page.

  • Pursuing Dreams and Inspiring Veterans

    Not content to tick off his wish list, though, which is far from complete (despite recently seeing polar bears in the Arctic under the northern lights, and bathing in the showers of Niagara Falls), Pete saw an opportunity following his medical prognosis, & harnessed his want to establish a legacy for future veterans; to reinforce the belief that diagnosed medical conditions need not define us. He subsequently collaborated with Eyes Front to establish the Pete Shefford Enduring Spirit Award – and is excited at the prospect of being able to help another deserving veteran.

Nomination Form

Nominate someone who you believe deserves recognition for their extraordinary contributions. This grant is an opportunity to honour and reward those who have made a meaningful impact in their community.