Peter Maniscalco OAM

Peter Maniscalco OAM

His community work spans decades and the accolades cross international borders.

And while the recognition is an honour, Peter Maniscalco says it is the act of serving the Hunters Hill and surrounding communities that is most special to him.

“It’s an honour to be recognised for the work that I’ve done but it’s a privilege for me to be able to help people,” he said.

Peter has been involved consistently in charity work since 1985.

“It just kept on growing from there,” he said.

“As people have needs I just kept on providing my service.”

He received an Australia Day Honours recognition this year (2020), in the medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the general division for his service to the Italian community of Hunters Hill.

Over a period of 25 years, Peter has been the President of S. Antonio da Padova Protettore di Poggioreale Trapani Association. The charity helps adults aged over 65 and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as those with chronic illness (including terminal illness) and disabilities, and owns an aged care facility.

In this time, the charitable organisation under Peter’s leadership has expanded to more than 300 members. He works voluntary and lends his expertise in business and devotes much of his time to the aged care facility.

The facility in Ryde has expanded since 1990 from 40 beds to 112 beds now.

Peter’s hard work and countless hours in improving and expanding the facility, along with other charitable work, was awarded the honour of Cavaliere della Stella d’ltalia (Knight of the Star of Italy) by the President of the Republic of Italy.

He has received many other awards in Australia and abroad for his community service.

Peter is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Hunters Hill, with previous stints as President and Treasurer. He has been involved in organising charitable events to assist the local and international community. This has included assisting schools in Hunters Hill and Ryde, as well as helping fund a school in Tanzania.

Peter’s wife Maria said her husband has always given a lot of his time to charity work.

“He’s just a very lovely, caring person,” she said.

“He never said no to anybody who asks for his help.”

It is a sentiment echoed in the words for which Peter received his Australia Day honour:

“Peter has a passion for making a difference in the world. Peter puts his heart and soul into any endeavour or project to help the community and does so with a smile every day, and without the need for any special praise or attention. Peter is a man that inspires all to become better versions of themselves, and is definitely a person that the community looks up to for leadership and guidance.”

Help us to shine a light on other unsung Hunters Hill Heroes by nominating your hero today.

Please note that nominations for Hunters Hill Heroes will be considered for Citizen of the Year awards.

Peter’s Australia Day honour citation

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