Forever Part of Eaglehawk Festivals: Honouring the OAM Peter Cox

It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of a treasured member of our committee and community, Order of Australia Medalist Peter Cox. His recent contributions to Eaglehawk Festivals Inc. and long standing contributions to the wider Eaglehawk community cannot be overstated. For me personally, his influence has been both meaningful and lasting.

Peter had been a community man for many years before he took on the role of keeping the Dahlia and Arts Festival alive. He brought people together. Locals, business owners, and community groups with belief in the power of collective action. When the festival was at a crossroads in 2022, as COVID restrictions eased and long-serving committee members stepped away, Peter didn’t hesitate to act.

Peter Cox, 2022

I first learned about these renewed efforts when Peter called me directly. He invited me to a think tank designed to reimagine the committee and inspire community members to step forward. From that first conversation, I was struck by his passion for Eaglehawk and his deep knowledge of how to rally people for the good of their community. I felt proud to be personally invited and even more inspired when I walked into that session and saw a room full of Eaglehawk legends and friends, all ready to contribute.

2022 forum convened by Peter Cox to re-establish the committee.

Peter made sure every person in that room had the chance to be heard. His leadership was generous, calm, and thoughtful. Thanks to those early meetings and his steady hand, a new group formed with a fresh purpose. Together, and with Peter’s guidance, we transitioned from the Dahlia and Arts Festival Committee to Eaglehawk Festivals Inc. This new name reflected a broader vision. We were no longer tied to a single event, and this gave us the freedom to create something new, including the Burra Block Party.

While Peter contributed to the planning and strategy behind our events, he always kept his focus on the future. He wanted the next generation to learn, grow, and eventually lead. I experienced this firsthand. Over the past three years, Peter offered me guidance and encouragement in my role as President. I often joked that he was the "shadow president," much to his dismay, because in truth, I relied on his wisdom and support more than I ever let on.

There were countless phone calls where Peter talked me through challenges, helped me think things through, and encouraged me to trust my instincts. His insights shaped how I communicate with our supporters, sponsors, and committee members. He taught me to stay grounded, to ask better questions, and to listen more carefully.

Anyone who attended a meeting with Peter will remember his ability to speak plainly and directly. He asked the important questions, even when others hesitated. That clarity helped all of us become more thoughtful and more effective. His presence made a difference in every room he entered.

Those who were at the early think tank sessions will know how important Peter was in keeping the festival alive. Without his leadership, it's likely that the Dahlia and Arts Festival would have folded, and Eaglehawk Festivals Inc. would not exist today.

Peter will be remembered as someone who was not afraid to take on difficult tasks. He stepped up when no one else did. He was a doer, a change-maker, and a friend. He gave his heart to this community and left a lasting legacy.

As I got to know Peter beyond our committee work, I began to understand the full scope of his contributions to Eaglehawk and Bendigo. His work as a community builder spanned many years. His strong will, his support for others, and his deep care for this place will be missed by so many.

We thank Peter for his incredible service and send our love and condolences to his family and friends during this time of great loss.

Peter, your legacy will live on in every event we run, in every volunteer you inspired, and in the strong community you helped shape. You will always be part of Eaglehawk Festivals.

Reece Hendy
President, Eaglehawk Festivals Inc.