Many of you will know Peter Overton as the Australian television journalist and news reader who has worked at the Nine Network for nearly 30 years, where he is currently Chief News Reader. He travelled the world during his time as a reporter with 60 minutes and has dedicated his life to telling the stories that need to be heard. Peter is also a passionate community member with a strong commitment to the charity sector. Peter was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Macquarie University in 2019 for services to media and his extensive charity work and received an AM in the Australia Day Honours, 2020 for significant service to the broadcast media and community. 

Peter has been a supporter of So They Can for a number of years, but it is with great excitement that we welcome Peter as our newest Ambassador. We sat down with Peter to find out why he chose to take on this new role.

So They Can: First things first, can you share a little about why you chose to be a supporter and Ambassador of So They Can?

Peter Overton: I firmly believe in the power of education to empower and change lives. The children that So They Can supports in Kenya and Tanzania have been born into severe hardship and to be able to support their empowerment through So They Can is something I am proud of and happy to do.

So They Can: We understand you are an active community member and support a number of Australian charities, how do you choose which ones to work with? 

Peter Overton: I choose those that resonate with me, are tangible, have a clear sustainability plan, work in partnership and make a demonstrable impact.

So They Can: Why is education so important to you? 

Peter Overton: On an individual level, it is the tool to independence and autonomous choice.  Globally, it enables us to live consciously of the impact we have on the environment and people around us.

So They Can: We loved having you join our inaugural 1HumanRace challenge in March, and were so impressed with you taking on an 80km bike ride! will you do 1HumanRace next year?

Peter Overton: Absolutely! (….kidding)

So They Can: Haha…we’ll check in closer to the time! Lastly, what do you hope to be able to do with So they can as our ambassador? 

Peter Overton: I plan to help raise awareness about So They Can and the essential impact they are having on the lives of some of the poorest children in the world, and their children, in order to raise funds and increase the impact from 28,000 children to 36,000 children in a few years.

Wow! We are so grateful to have such a passionate leader joining our So They Can family. Thank you, Peter. We can’t wait to work with you more closely over the next few years.

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