Constituency Statement – Olds, Mr Peter, OAM – Speech in the Federation Chamber 07/10/2025
Hansard 07/10/2025 Federation Chamber
Mr LLEW O’BRIEN (Wide Bay) (16:48): At the heart of every community are its people. The generosity, dedication and character of those people shape a town. Peter Olds was one of Maryborough’s greatest contributors. In his passing at age 95 we say goodbye to a man who gave so much of himself to family, faith and community. Indeed, Peter was Maryborough and Maryborough was Peter Olds.
Peter’s lifelong devotion to volunteering stands as an example to others. He served on many committees, including the Maryborough Meals on Wheels, Blue Nursing Agency and BlueCare, and he gave his time to the Maryborough Hospital Museum. As an elder of the Presbyterian and Uniting Churches, his leadership was always grounded in humility and service. For more than 30 years, Peter was a board member of Saint Stephen’s Private Hospital, where he not only sat at the table of governance but also rolled up his sleeves to apply his engineering skills for the hospital’s benefit. From repairing wheelchairs to mentoring young people, Peter gave his time and talents freely always and with the quiet intent of helping others.
Peter was also a remarkable engineer, inventor and innovator. He was a founding member of the Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association, building locomotives and engines that brought joy and raised funds for good causes. His crowning achievement was the design and supervision of the working replica of Maryborough’s historic Mary Ann locomotive, now a local icon.
Through Olds Engineering, he contributed to heritage tourism, restored historic locomotives and even helped make part of Queen Elizabeth II’s royal coach. His inventions, from the Olds elevator to specialised hospital beds, demonstrated his ingenuity and his desire to make life better for others. His recognition from Maryborough’s citizens as the 2000 Citizen of the Year and the Order of Australia medal reflect the breadth of his achievements.
But for all his public contributions, Peter’s deepest dedication was to his family and his faith. A devoted husband to Jan, who passed away last year, and a proud father to Maryanne, Robert, Andrea and Sharyn, Peter was also a much-loved grandfather and great-grandfather. His family were his joy and his legacy, and, through them, his values and love endure.
Guided by faith, humility and a generous heart, Peter Olds enriched countless lives. Maryborough will long remember him not only for what he built but for who he was. Rest in peace, Peter Olds.
