PETER JIRGENS - SHOALHAVEN CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2021

Shoalhaven Council describe Peter as 'an outstanding volunteer in the Shoalhaven for over twenty five years, in a number of community based organisations.

This nomination covers his activities with the Cambewarra Rate Payers Association, Tapitalee Creek Landcare, Shoalhaven Riverwatch and the Shoalhaven Landcare Fox Control Program.

Peter has been an active volunteer throughout the Cambewarra Village area over many years with planting of many trees, providing engineering advice and assistance with the construction of walking tracks, bridges and playground equipment.

As a life-long resident in the region, Peter brings a deep commitment and understanding to the environmental impact of development and how to implement sustainability practices.

He has shown exceptional leadership in both his work as an engineer, establishing Jirgens Civil and his time in volunteer-based roles.'

Peter's memoir is contained in his book - 'Out of Latvia.' He recounts his childhood as the son of Arnold, a Latvian refugee who migrated to Australia after World War 2. Peter flew under the radar in 1980 when he visited Russia and Communist controlled Latvia to search for his family, who were believed killed in the war. It almost cost him his life.

For further information click on https://www.davidkerr.com.au/