Former Goomeri Kilkivan rugby league coach Neil Peters dies at age 75

A former Goomeri rugby league player and coach is being remembered as a family man who would “give you the shirt off his back”. Read his son’s touching tribute.

Neil Peters died at the age of 75 in Hervey Bay on January 8, 2023.

A beloved family man and passionate Goomeri sportsman has been remembered by his family after his death at the age of 75.

Neil Peters died on January 8, 2023 in his retirement home at Hervey Bay.

His son, Scott Peters, said his father had a “big heart” and loved his family.

“He’d give you the shirt off his back to do anything for anyone,” Scott said.

Mr Peters grew up in Kilkivan and worked for 29 years with the Kilkivan Shire Council, eventually working as supervisor of the construction crew.

Neil Peters worked for the Kilkivan Shire Council for 29 years.

He played for the Kilkivan Goomeri Reds in the reserve and A-grade then moved to coaching the club following his retirement from the team.

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During his time at the club, he helped his team claim victory at the South Burnett Rugby League A-Grade Premierships.

“In 1966, they won the A-grade grand final undefeated for the year,” his son said.

As president of Goomeri Kilkivan Junior Rugby League, Mr Peters had coached many Goomeri and Kilkivan locals as well as players from South Burnett.

Neil Peters (middle row, third from left) and his team won the South Burnett Rugby League A-Grade Premierships undefeated in 1966.

Scott said his father was very passionate about football and was also a member of the Goomeri Bowls Club.

Mr Peters would work five days per week for the council and then would help build everything from concrete slabs to verandas and barbecues for someone on the weekend, his son said.

“If anyone needed a hand, he did it,” he said.

Mr Peters helped build the Noel Angel Memorial Bridge as well as the Goomeri Library building.

Scott said he loved his father’s selflessness and passion for his family.

“If someone needed a hand, he’d be there to do it,” Scott Peters said.

Mr Peters had seven siblings and was a father to Scott and Shaye as well as a loving grandfather and great-grandfather.

Mr Peters died peacefully at a Hervey Bay retirement village after suffering from lewy body dementia.

A funeral will be held in Hervey Bay for friends and family on January 20, 2023.