Peter Malcolm 1956 – 2009 Activist, Environmentalist, Visionary.

Peter Malcolm’s was a life of big stories, far flung locations, diverse interests and intense passion. Peter cared deeply about the environment, community, social justice, about fulfilling his own potential, and helping others to achieve theirs. He had a mighty heart. Nothing was impossible. When asked to describe him, his wife Davini once responded, “ Imagine Indiana Jones with a social and environmental conscience, and five kids”.

His funeral was held at the family property in Warrandyte. Smoke from ceremonial fires swept the several hundred people in attendance. Surrounded by bush on a bend of river, among wind billowed silks and chimes, children played, and food was lovingly prepared. We listened as loved ones and friends gave thanks for Peter’s life. His presence was tangible. An eagle soared overhead. Trees danced, animated by a restless wind. Guitar, voices, laughter and tears, hands on shoulders, our ceremony followed his casket until the hearse pulled slowly away, and we were left singing what, for Peter, was an anthem for life - “Imagine”.

Peter was a dreamer, an innovator, and an inspirational speaker on the talk circuit. He made people feel special. He refused to accept the status quo. He welcomed change into his own life and frequently inspired it in others. He was a marriage celebrant; a black belt in Pancha Tanmantra and he had more front than Myers.

Born in London 1956 to a colonial policeman and a nurse Peter spent his early life in Uganda. His first language was the “Kitchen Swahili” of his indigenous nursemaid. At age five the family, including Peter’s sister Jen, settled comfortably on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. After boarding school at Charter House in England and a BA he joined the Royal Navy gaining his “Wings” as helicopter pilot. But his spirit was never a match with the military.

He became involved in a plan to walk to the South Pole. He managed the purchase and re-fit of a North Sea trawler for the task. A group led by Robert Swan, a long time friend, reached the pole but the ship was crushed by ice and lost even as Rob’s team radioed their success. Peter and his mates were left stranded on the sea ice. This was the first of 19 expeditions that took him to Antarctica over a period of 30 years. His work there included service as helicopter pilot with Greenpeace, and expedition leader for both 2041 and Aurora Expeditions. His passion for and knowledge of the ice was an inspiration for thousands of visitors he guided to the Antarctic Peninsula.

On his return to England he joined the crew of the tall ship Eye Of The Wind and embarked on a global circumnavigation. He had been around boats all his life but this marked the culmination of his mariner’s apprenticeship. When they docked in Hobart Peter and his first wife, Wizz, jumped ship. Australia became Peter’s permanent home. He and Wiz purchased an old Pearling Lugger “Redbill” and sailed her from Torres Strait to Hobart. Over the years under Peter’s command Redbill was by turns research vessel, Greenpeace campaigner, pirate charter vessel, youth worker, theatre at sea, environmental monitor, central character in the television series 'If It Doesen’t Kill You' and the subject of an award winning book.

Peter met his second wife Davini during a retreat in the Central Australian desert. Their blended family grew to seven. Their home, Peter’s base and refuge, was a focus for community involvement. His family was the heart and soul of his life. He and Davini were planning sustainable rural communities involving friends and organisations several of which Peter helped establish. Davini continues this work.

Peter was a founding member of Pelican Expeditions who conduct research, education and community engagement projects at sea. Since 2005 he led annual expeditions to Cape York for Pelican and the Hope Vale Community. He was instrumental in securing ANZ sponsorship (sadly now lapsed) for this project and became a passionate advocate for creative solutions to problems in indigenous communities. “The Hope Vale Pelican Project” won the Qld Premiers Reconciliation Award for Business/Community Partnerships in 2007. Elders from Hope Vale made the long journey to Melbourne for Peter’s funeral and delivered passionate tributes. “Since Pelican has been visiting us there have been no suicides at Hope Vale” Des Bowen. Peters final sailing voyage was aboard Pelican 1 in April between Melbourne and Bermagui.

His spirit and love of life continue to shine in the hearts of his family, his friends and the many people who have been inspired by him.

Peter is survived by wife Davini, sons - Angus, Satchi, Zak, and Lachlan, and daughter - Gabriella.

Garry McKechnie