Pete Murray

Local Legend: A Chat with Pete Murray, Port Macquarie's Ironman MC and Community Champion

International Ironman MC, local educator, and extraordinary community leader... that's Pete Murray. Commentating over 240 events worldwide, Pete reveals his passion for educating kids, his love of Port Macquarie, and what motivates him to be such an integral part of our local community.

Q: Pete, these last few months haven't gone exactly as planned, with Ironman events cancelled and international travel halted. You've spent more time at home; what are some of the things you have been doing?

A: COVID has certainly put a spanner in my 2020 plans! I've missed just over 100 flights and obviously a lot of work, but to be honest, there have been some benefits. I'm usually away up to 26 weekends a year; I haven't left Port Macquarie since March. I'm spending a lot more time with my family, my young kids and my partner, the boys at the Fernhill Tavern on a Friday night and of course, in our beautiful hometown—all happy times.

To keep connected to my Ironman mates afar, I do a regular Facebook live—"Tri Buzz with Muzz"—where I chat to guests via Zoom and check in on people and friends from around the world, including world-class triathlon and Ironman competitors. I really enjoy it, and we seem to have more people tuning in week to week.

Q: Along with being the MC for Ironman, I personally know you from your constant community work. What drives you to do this?

A: One thing I love about Port Macquarie is the community spirit; it drives me to do my part. Whenever anyone is down or a family is going through a hard time, people are there to lift them up. That little bit we do can be a big reward for those affected, but also for me personally, it's what it's all about.

Charity events are a huge part of what makes Port Mac so special. Businesses and individuals alike are always generous in supporting a cause; the community really bands together. I don't mind jumping in front of a microphone, so if I can help out and MC an event or gee everyone up to purchase an auction item, then I love doing it... and if it helps the cause raise needed funds, I'm happy. I was looking to host a couple of events with the Port Macquarie Sharks Rugby League Club this season to help them raise some money for the club, but we will have to look at this for next year now.

For the last two years, I've been working on a "Bike Safety Program" for primary schools. We teach the kids about riding safety, we get their helmets fitted correctly and encourage them to be as active as possible. It's such a rewarding program; it's taken hard work, but watching the kids succeed is so worth it.

Q: For many who don't know, you are also a qualified teacher. Has COVID given you more time to pursue this?

A: I graduated as a primary teacher in 1992, and yes, I am now back full-time in the classroom! It's like I'm "commentating" to the kids—ha ha. I really love teaching; I think that's actually what I was put on this Earth to do. I get such satisfaction in getting the best out of them. With the future of Ironman uncertain, teaching is absolutely my next choice.

I've also run a Learn to Swim program; it is a business we've been running for a long time. We run 25-minute sessions, and we rip in. We simply try to encourage confidence in the kids, especially here in Port Mac, being so coastal. My passion is to teach, not to necessarily make them Olympic swimmers, but educate them enough to be able to save their lives if they find themselves in dangerous conditions.

Q: And lastly, you've told us that you're so proud to call Port Macquarie home. What do you love most about our region?

A: Port Macquarie has the best community connection—the best spirit and camaraderie of any place I have travelled. It's unreal. I've been here a long time, but I love all of the economic development that is also coming to the region; the uni, the hospitals, the schools, the better roads, and that's attracting people like yourself to come up and run local businesses.

It's the perfect lifestyle with the beaches on your doorstep, it's a great place to raise a family and for me, the opportunity to work internationally with the airport connecting our region to the world is simply outstanding.

Thanks Pete.