Perry Neil

Perry grew up in North Fitzroy during the manufacturing boom and at age 18, he made the move with his family to the Korumburra country side.

Perry has since volunteered much of his time and skills to the community, playing an integral role volunteering at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum. Remembering the park when it housed nothing more than a court house, he has seen the parks collection of historic relics come together over the years.

Perry, a painter by trade, has volunteered copious amounts of time painting, restoring and breathing life into the park. A jack of all trades, you could find Perry demonstrating joinery with the old-fashioned tools, creating metal keepsakes as a blacksmith and resorting tins and household goods in the old general store.

As well as continuing to give his all to Coal Creek, Perry is a Vietnam War veteran who is heavily involved with the Victorian Legacy, volunteering and assisting to raised funds to help war veterans and their families who have been doing it tough in the South Gippsland Shire.

Adding to Perry’s impressive CV, he was recently awarded the RSL’s highest honour, the Meritorious Service Medal. Awarded to life members who have demonstrated outstanding service as part of the RSL, he has gone above and beyond for his veteran community.

If you’re looking a Perry thinking “my gosh he looks familiar”, that’s because you’ve probably seen him before helping out Father Christmas during the holiday season. Dressing up as Santa for the Korumburra Business Association, he sprinkles joy throughout the community.

Perry is an unsung hero, who shines light throughout the Korumburra community. Passionate, selfless and joyous he continues to donate his radiant energy to his home town.