Peter Clough’s decades of dedication is recognised with Port Stephens Medal

LONG-time community advocate Peter Clough says he was “obviously surprised” when his name was announced as a recipient of the prestigious Port Stephens Medal.

The recognition reflects decades of his quiet, determined service to the Tomaree Peninsula.

The medal, one of the highest honours the Port Stephens community can bestow, was presented at the Australia Day ceremony in Raymond Terrace by Mayor Leah Anderson.

It recognises outstanding dedication to making the region a better place to live.

Mr Clough admitted he was initially hesitant when Council advised him of the nomination.

“When Council first made me aware, I was a little [reluctant] to be considered,” he said.

“But someone – or some people – had obviously put a lot of work into the research for the nomination, so I felt it was right to let it go forward.”

Among the achievements highlighted in the citation, one resonates particularly strongly for Mr Clough: helping attract a TAFE campus to Salamander Bay.

“I am very passionate about access to higher education, particularly for younger people on the Peninsula,” he said. “At the time, the closest TAFE was about an hour away, which prohibited many people from growing their skills. “Access ensures greater participation, local jobs and meeting the needs of local business and industry.”

Mr Clough is best known for his leadership in protecting Tomaree Headland and the former Tomaree Lodge site.

His involvement deepened in 2018, following the State Government’s announcement of $6.7 million for the Tomaree Coastal Walk.

“I took the opportunity to walk the Tomaree Lodge site,” he said.

“At the time, it was being used as a convalescent home.

“We wanted to understand what was planned and ensure the site remained in public hands.”

Working initially with the Tomaree Business Chamber (now Business Port Stephens), Mr Clough helped bring together a broad coalition of community organisations.

Within a short time, 10 diverse incorporated groups united around a shared vision: keeping the heritage-listed site accessible for community use.

“For an iconic place with such natural beauty and serenity, the overriding desire was that it always remain accessible to the people,” he said.

One of the greatest challenges was the early risk that the site could be sold to a private developer.

Through sustained advocacy, the group secured bipartisan support to keep it publicly owned.

Over several years, they developed objectives and a vision document, delivering almost 30 presentations to community groups to build support.

“It was costing the government more than $1 million a year just to maintain the site while the buildings were decaying,” Mr Clough said.

“It became clear that a long-term future needed to be addressed, which finally commenced in 2024.”

Asked about leadership, Mr Clough is quick to deflect praise.

“It needed leadership, yes, but we had a team of very passionate member groups,” he said.

“Becoming incorporated in 2020 gave us credibility and access to funding.

“Working as a team – across environmental, business, tourism and historical interests – was essential.”

Looking back, he is proud not only of the progress at Tomaree Lodge, now in an advanced planning stage, but also of contributions to the revitalisation of the Nelson Bay CBD and foreshore precinct.

He is also hopeful future generations will gain a deeper understanding of the Headland’s history, including through the book “Paradise Interrupted”, produced with author Judy Washington and photographer Jenny Newman.

More than 600 copies have already been sold.

While the medal bears his name, Mr Clough insists it belongs to many.

“The Tomaree Headland group has worked harmoniously and cohesively,” he said. “There are many locals who have inspired and supported me – too many to name.”

Still, he says there is much work ahead, pointing to issues such as transport access to Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay, ferry services, extreme weather impacts on beaches, coach management on the Nelson Bay foreshore, and traffic and parking across the Peninsula.

For those unsure how to get involved, his advice is simple.

“Find your passion,” he said.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to contribute and connect.

“There are so many groups looking for help – from historical societies to civic pride teams.

“Community involvement is how places like this continue to thrive.”

For Peter Clough, the Port Stephens Medal is not a finishing line, but a reminder of what can be achieved when a community works together to protect what matters most.

By Jacie WHITFIELD