If you're a regular competitor in the Club Marine Southern 80 you'll probably remember a bloke at the start line who drove a white Valiant ute with a green roof.

That bloke is Peter Glanville and he's been part of the Echuca ski racing scene for YEARS.

His tireless dedication to the Moama Water Sports Club was rewarded with Life Membership in 1998.

Being a long time member of the Moama Water Sports Club, director and past president, Peter has been according to Harley Nicholls "one dedicated worker".

"He has worked tirelessly for years at the start line making sure skiers and judges were ready for competition", said Harley.

In fact for all years involved in the local event Peter had never seen a finish until 1998.

Due to Peter's involvement in the Southern80 he has roped in both daughters.  Betty has helped the race secretary on and off since 1992 and still works on race weekend.

Younger daughter Ruth has been Helen Britnell's right hand for the last four years and both girls love being involved.

Over the years Peter's involvement with the event he has seen Tadpoles grow up to be senior skiers and according to Betty many competitors seek him out each year to  just say G'day and tell their 'Dad" how everything's going.

Betty remembers going out to watch the race each year with Peter planning to be in it and they even competed a couple of times in the late '80's.

Peter drove, Betty observed while sons Max & Graeme skied behind It's mine.

Peter was only the fourth person to be awarded life membership of the Moama Water Sports Club.  He joined fellow recipients Ken Oliver, Barrie Beehag and Harley Nicholls.

And yes Peter will be back at the start line again this year but the white ute won't be.

While Peter is as fit as ever the old Valiant ute isn't as roadworthy as it could be?