News

Surprise life membership for Peter Nelson

By Gus Underwood

Aug 25, 2026

Max Nelson, David Collins and Peter, Sam, Judy, Tim and Holly Nelson at the tribute night. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Veteran Kyabram personality Peter Nelson had a few ideas of what may have been disclosed at his testimonial at the Kyabram Club last Saturday night but he wasn’t prepared for one presentation.

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More than 100 attendees paid tribute and expressed gratitude to the Kyabram stalwart’s 60-plus years of serving the Kyabam community in a plethora of roles.

Peter was gobsmacked to be presented with a life membership of the Goulburn Valley Football Netball League at the function.

Goulburn Valley League president Peter Foott and Peter Nelson with Keith Wellman (seated), who presented the Kyabram stalwart with a life membership of the GVL. Photo by Contributed

Peter was introduced by GVL president Peter Foott, who, along with other guest speakers, praised the Kyabram finance wiz for what he had done for the league and the Kyabram community in general.

The presentation of the life membership was made by 93-year-old Keith Wellman, a well-loved and respected former supremo of both the GVL and the Kyabram District League.

Mr Wellman holds life memberships of both leagues and is the now the oldest of 30 living recipients and 61 life members of the 130-year-old GVL.

Sue Blake and Keith and Di Maylor enjoyed the event. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

In an entertaining night hosted professionally by Peter’s son Tim, guest speakers told of Peter’s contribution to the Kyabram Football Club and general community over such a long period.

Apart from Mr Foott, other guest speakers were John Guinan (Kyabram Football Netball Club) Peter Lyon (Valley View Golf Club) and Mark Schumann (Kyabram Club).

Speakers were generous in their praise of the organiser of the function, Gary Storer, a popular former Kyabram policeman, who left the town 30 years ago.

Peter Nelson with sons Tim and Sam. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Mr Storer had struck up a friendship with Peter in his time in Kyabram which motivated him to arrange the testimonial.

Peter said it wasn’t hard to do what he had been doing in Kyabram for the past 60 years.

“You commit to things you like and try and do a bit to help out and it’s marvellous how much it can all help,’’ he said.

Peter praised his wife and “backstop”, Judy, sons Sam, who flew from the Sunshine Coast to attend the function, and Tim and families for their loyal and tireless support over the years.