In Memory of Peter Lindley – 1938-2024
Peter Lindley, an Honorary Life Member of Better Hearing Australia and Deafness Forum of Australia, was a tireless advocate and visionary for the hard-of-hearing community. Peter’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of hearing health advocacy in Australia, and his lifelong contributions have left an indelible mark on the sector.
Peter’s journey as an advocate began with a deeply personal understanding of hearing loss as at the age of 7, he lost his hearing due to a complication of the mumps. A desire to create meaningful change for others facing similar challenges was born.
His passion was evident in his tireless lobbying efforts with state and federal governments, where he championed the recognition of hearing health as a national health priority. His dedication to advancing hearing health led to contributions to numerous Senate Inquiries, including the 2010 Hear Us: Inquiry into Hearing Health in Australia.
Peter possessed a rare ability to blend his personal experience with a strategic approach to advocacy. He understood how to be inclusive and impactful to achieve tangible outcomes.
Peter’s drive and determination extended to campaigns for a national education program on hearing loss prevention, emphasising the public health importance of early intervention and awareness.
Throughout his lifetime, Peter received numerous accolades recognising his exceptional contributions. In 2008, he was honoured with the prestigious Libby Harricks Achievement Award for his outstanding advocacy and personal accomplishments.
Together with his beloved wife, Jill, Peter also received the Metro South Volunteer of the Year Award in 2016, acknowledging their collaborative efforts to improve communication accessibility at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Their devotion to creating more inclusive spaces set a benchmark in consumer-led healthcare advocacy.
Peter’s life work was driven by an unwavering commitment to better hearing health for all Australians. Whether writing countless letters to ministers, shaping submissions to inquiries, articles for newspapers, or engaging with community forums, or engaging with community forums, his dedication never faltered. His soft-spoken demeanour and humble nature belied the towering impact of his advocacy.
Peter’s legacy is one of profound influence and inspiration. His work continues to guide and inspire organisations like Better Hearing Australia to strive toward a future where hearing health is prioritised, and the needs of the hard-of-hearing community are met with understanding and conviction.
As we remember Peter Lindley, we celebrate a life of service, compassion, and extraordinary achievement.
His impact will be felt for generations to come, and his memory will forever inspire those who carry on his mission to improve hearing health for all Australians.