Driver trainer Peter Sawley awarded OAM in King's Birthday honours list
The L2P Murraylands program coordinator has been recognised for his passion and contribution to delivering education.
This story is now free to read. Help Murray Bridge News tell more stories like this by subscribing today.
Peter Sawley has been be awarded for his contribution to youth and community on the King's Birthday holiday.
You may have already heard the name: Mr Sawley runs the L2P Murraylands program for drivers in need.
He started the program back in 2019, when he recognised a correlation between students not having a job and unable to afford a license.
Still, Mr Sawley joked that volunteering for the program would actually benefit him in the long run: "If more students can get a driver's licence, then employment, they'll be paying taxes... and I might get my pension paid."
As a teacher for nearly 50 years, Mr Sawley has quite a passion when it comes to providing kids with a hands-on approach to learning.
In 2009 he helped students travel from Darwin to Adelaide in a electric vehicle designed, engineered and built themselves as part of the World Solar Challenge.
Mr Sawley also helped with the start up of Energy Education Australia: "It was basically a STEM association," he said.
"Energy Australia is a nonprofit organisation made up of teachers, lecturers, and volunteers."
It's clear his passion lies within education and volunteering for his community.
There were a total of 413 OAM recipients across Australia for the the Kingâs Birthday 2025 honours list.
Summary of Peter Sawley's service
Energy Education Australia
- Executive Director, since 2012.
- Board Member, since 2005.
- Founder, 2005.
Community
- Director, The L2P Murraylands, since 2018.
- Coordinator, Energy Fair, City of Victor Harbor, 2010s.
- Committee Member, Connected Communities Sub-Committee, The Rural City of Murray Bridge Council, 2020s.
Blackwood and Belair Catholic Parish
- Member, Finance Committee, current.
- Volunteer, since 2004.
Sacred Heart College
- Volunteer, Pedal Prix, 2014.
- Teacher, 1978-2012.
Other Education
- Coordinator, Science Engineering Challenge, The University of Newcastle, since 2009.
- Coordinator, World Solar Challenge, TAFE South Australia, 2009.
- Read more: Peter Rischbieth AM honoured for his service to rural health
- Read more: Driver trainer Peter Sawley awarded OAM in King's Birthday honours list
