With a strong interest in the Cadet Corps during his time as a student at Melbourne Grammar School, it was perhaps destined that Captain Peter McAuley (OM 2005) would have a career in the military.
Influenced by his schooling about leadership and the importance of service to others, he left the School wanting to make a difference in our society, which led him to join the Australian Army.
Over the past 11 years, Peter’s roles have included serving as the Mentor/Advisor to the Afghan National Army, Australian Defence Force Liaison Officer to the Fijian Military, a Company Commander and a Logistics Operations Officer. He is currently Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Chief of Army, Major General Anthony Rawlins.
It is, perhaps, fair to say that over his career there have been countless moments of mixed emotions and standing up on stage in The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall Memorial for the 2019 ANZAC Service of Commemoration was no exception.
“It was odd being in the procession after years of sitting in the stands, but I was incredibly proud to be standing up on stage in full military uniform,” he said. “I was delighted to be there with Major General Rawlins and remind students of the reason why individuals serve their country and give back to their community.”
“I think nowadays it’s easy to lose sight of our values as individuals and as a nation. The values that the ANZACs lived under all those years ago are still very relevant today and we need people to give back to society in whatever capacity they can,” Peter said.
“In the Deputy Chief’s address, he discussed the importance of our actions and adding value to society through our endeavours and how the ANZAC legend is built on this. But this doesn’t happen without building a well-rounded individual who is willing to contribute,” he added.
“Melbourne Grammar School is fantastic at instilling a sense of duty to something bigger than yourself. For me, I certainly have my schooling years to thank for providing me with a solid grounding to build upon,” he said.
“I think that’s why we’ve seen so many young men and women walk through the School gates at the end of their time at Melbourne Grammar whether it be Senior School or Grimwade and go on to do great things for our nation in many different ways”.
