Peter Cullen AM is the type of person who can talk the leg off a chair. Had he not spent a life dedicated to helping the disadvantaged, he would surely have made an outstanding salesman, such are his persuasive capabilities.

My first introduction with Peter was reading his book ‘Voices of the Street’ over thirty years ago not long after arriving in Melbourne. It was a confronting and brutally honest series of interviews with mostly homeless, addicts and prostitutes living in and around St Kilda.

It inspired me to get involved with the VFA’s ‘Care for Kids’ program and from there to the wonderful Big Brother Big Sister program where I stayed for a couple of years and later an association with the Perth City Mission.

Peter’s influence and determination for continuous improvement culminated in 1990 when he formed Reclink, post a long career with Sacred Heart Mission looking after their sports and recreation program.

Almost a man of the cloth, Peter trained as Catholic priest and like his good mate Father Bob McGuire, doesn’t impose religion upon his flock. His values are simple. It’s all about kindness and being non-judgmental. Acceptance and ‘including the unincluded’ is what he and Reclink stand for.

Last night at the 30th Anniversary Dinner for Reclink at a packed Victory Room at Marvel Stadium, Peter and Reclink Treasurer and fellow board member, Theresa Sgambaro were awarded life membership of Reclink.

In an emotional speech, Theresa spoke about how a chance meeting with Peter on a street in Werribee, resulted in her returning to Reclink after a previous seven year stint. What started as a quick chat that day, turned into forty minutes as Theresa succumbed to the Cullen persuasive powers!

No doubt Reclink have been blessed to have someone as talented as Theresa helping to steer the ship and she thoroughly deserved the recognition.

I’ve never actually met Peter and didn’t feel comfortable introducing myself last night. I have however, witnessed this force of nature first hand.

A few months ago I got a call from Peter inviting me to write a chapter for his upcoming Reclink coffee table book. I was quite frankly blown away. I told him I’d be honoured and we then launched into an hour long discussion about mental illness, coaching people with a disability and then the leadership book about the New Zealand All Blacks, Legacy by James Kerr.

I mentioned that it was the only time I’d read a book twice to which he replied that he’d read it four times and his good mate Richmond CEO, ‘Benny’ Gale had read it ten times! Peter has been a good friend to my old footy club Werribee for many years and is donating fifty copies of Legacy to the players and staff for 2022. A fantastic gesture.

Peter is one of those unique characters who is a great mentor and coach. He has that innate capacity to bring others with him like Father Bob and Neale Daniher. These are three saintly men who can intimidate a devout atheist like myself into doing anything! In fact after getting off the phone from Peter that day I pumped out 10,000 words and bought two tickets to the anniversary dinner!

The dinner itself was a great night and terrific to see the ‘double vaxxed’ having a ball. It was superbly MC’d by Rockwiz’s Brian Nankervis and ABC Radio’s Jacinta Parsons with a guest appearance by Paul Kelly who has been a long-time supporter and participant in the annual Rock Dogs v Mega Hertz Community Cup footy game.

I must shout out to the Collingwood FC who have had their share of critics these past couple of years but they paid for twelve players from their Reclink team, the Collingwood Knights, to attend at $200 a head. Not only that, they fitted them out in brand new suits which is what I could have done with, as I barely squeezed my ample frame into mine.

Judging by the auctions it was a very successful evening financially and we met some new friends at our table also. The atmosphere was joyous and upbeat which is what you would expect after lockdown fatigue, but it was all about the cause.

Peter’s long suffering wife Jeanette was given a rousing reception and his daughter Lucinda got to present her Dad with his life membership. In a beautiful speech she mentioned Peter’s belief that the key to life is being embarrassed and enjoying it.

This is a mantra I too have lived by but in my case, has oddly enough resulted in long absences of communication between myself and my own daughters at times! It’s a Dad thing.

The other mantra Lucinda spoke about in relation to her Dad and Reclink is that there are plenty of amazing charities out there that prevent people from drowning. It’s why we are so lucky in Australia, because of these safety nets.

Reclink is one of those that can stop the drowning but it also teaches you how to swim. Rehabilitation through sport and art is crucial to getting the disenfranchised back on track and Reclink is such an organisation. If you would like to know more or even better donate, please follow this link.
https://www.reclink.org

As far as Peter Cullen goes, well if he approaches you for a chat, run, or you may lose the shirt off your back. If you do, at least you’ll know that shirt will be going to someone in need!

Thanks to Peter and all the volunteers at Reclink for continuing to make a massive difference in our community. Here are some photos from the dinner.