Life Ed NSW announces first Healthy Harold graduate CEO

What’s more, Jonathon is the first Life Ed CEO who is a graduate of our program.

“I grew up outside of Uralla in regional NSW and attended Martins Gully Public School where I was first introduced to Healthy Harold. Like many other Australians — around 7 million since our inception — I have never forgotten the experience,” Mr Peatfield said.

When I told friends and family that I was going to work with Life Ed, their faces lit up and almost instantly they recalled their favourite memory from the program, such as ‘I remember the stars on the roof’, and ‘I remember Healthy Harold’

“Our program has such an impact on people. I ran into a fellow graduate a week ago at a fundraising ball and she recalled that the Life Ed program had educated her around smoking, and she went home after it and convinced her father to stop smoking. That is the power of education!”

Since starting in July, Jonathon has visited a number of regional schools, educators, and supporters including students at Wagga and Quirindi to see how the program has developed since his visit in primary school.

Jonathon Peatfield with Wagga MP, Dr Joe McGirr, and Life Ed Educator, Steph Vance

“I was lucky enough to step back into a Life Ed van for the first time in 23 years a few weeks ago while I was visiting Wagga. I loved it every bit as much as when I was in primary school – maybe even more,” Jonathon said.

“Watching our educator Paula in action was truly a privilege. She remembered every kid’s name, and had the boys up the back dancing. All of the children were highly engaged in fun learning.

“During my visit to Quirindi I was blown away by the passion and dedication of a local supporter, Colleen Wills who manages the Quirindi CWA. Colleen and her team have raised over $260,000 for the local community, reinvesting it into the school, local businesses and the farming community. They paid for every child in the region to attend the Life Ed program.”

Jonathon said he was keen to connect with more local school and supporters, including graduates of the program.

“Many of the children who have seen our program are now our next generation of leaders, professionals and some are even teachers. We are proud of this generation, who are making great choices when it comes to health and safety. If you have a memory to share, we would love to hear about your experiences of the Life Ed program.”