Saleyard death behind trivia fundraiser

By Natalee Kerr

Geelong’s Deb Stallard is on a mission to keep her late husband’s legacy alive following his “tragic accidental death”.

Highton grandfather Peter Stallard died in 2014 after obtaining brain injuries following a knock to the head caused by a runaway bull that escaped the Geelong Saleyards.

Deb said the bull was “causing traffic chaos” when Peter, a retired paramedic of 44 years, stopped to assist at the scene in a bid to “save the lives of others”.

“He was on the phone to triple zero when the bull turned back and knocked him backwards,” Deb said.

Peter, age 71, was taken to the Alfred Hospital where he then died 10 days later from his injuries.

But Deb is determined to give a “lifelong remembrance” to her husband through what she hopes will become an ongoing recognition with Geelong Community Foundation.

For the last four years she has funded two $1000 awards for Deakin University’s nursing students as a memorial to Peter’s name.

Now Deb is holding a trivia night on 6 September at Geelong West’s Fairley Lodge Hall as a fundraiser for this year’s awards.

“My aim is to generate a philanthropic trust in future years and continue to support students who work so hard,” she said.

“It’s a small gift but can mean so much to a struggling student.”

Peter was heavily involved in volunteering roles within the Geelong community and acted as a “mentor and friend to many students”, Deb said.

For more information on the trivia night visit www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=510270&.