All about Peter (well, maybe not ALL)!
Peter Norvill is the owner/operator of Rock Dhu , a sheep and cattle property of 4,000 acres, 25km NE of Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW.
The Norvill Family has been working this land for generations.
(See Family page for photos and more details)
Peter is the only child of Lionel and Enid Norvill and was born in 1950 (a very good year!) He lived almost all his life on Rock Dhu. He was schooled in Murrurundi and Tamworth . After leaving school in 1965 at age 15, Peter was employed by his father on Rock Dhu. His father handed him the reins to Rock Dhu in 1977 and he continues to graze sheep and cattle on the property to this day.
(See Farming page for photos and more details.)
In 1988, Peter became the first Australian to fly solo around the world in an aeroplane and was awarded an OAM in recognition of that achievement.
He has also undertaken many other commemorative and record-breaking flights.
(See Aviation page for photos and more details.)
Peter (aged about 18 months) with his Father
Peter (aged 2 years) with his Mother
Peter and Snow - on the bridge Peter built over Warlands Creek, 1962
Peter (aged 13 years)
Peter and his horse, 1966
Peter, Colly & Butch, 1966
As you could imagine, it is essential for a pilot to have a good working knowledge of weather and weather patterns and he now broadcasts his own live-to-air weather show ten times weekly for a commercial radio station.
(See Weather page for more details.)
Peter was the original patron of and motivating force behind establishing the Norvill Art Prize, which is a biennial art competition now administered by the Murrurundi Arts Council, with a $10,000 cash prize for the winner.
Peter is not only a grazier - he is also an artist, an entrepeneur and a philanthropist.
(See Art page for paintings and more details.)
(See Stories page for a selection of Peter's short stories.)
Peter has written and published a number of books and publications, including;
. Solo Around The World (Hardcover edition)
. Solo Around The World – A Colour Supplement and Update.
. Weather – A Basics and commonsense guide to our weather.
. Politics, Economics and Mismanagement.
. The Norvill Art Prize – A background to the award.
These publications are available for purchase, when in print.
Click here for details