Peter Flaherty as “Andrew”

Peter has held down day jobs as a barman, bouncer, rock’n’roller, wedding singer and podiatrist. But his first love has always been performing on stage and screen. He worked professionally as an actor, playing roles on Australian television in series such as Neighbours, Blue Heelers, Something in the Air and State Coroner, as well as playing various supporting roles in Australian and US feature films including The Missing, The Beach and The Ripper, before “things came unstuck”.

In 1999, while he was on his way to lunch with a producer, Peter was hit on his motorbike by a four-wheel drive doing an illegal U-turn.

The accident affected every part of his body, the most serious being the bruising to his frontal lobe and a badly damaged neck and knees. Four years later, after many surgeries (including four plates and six screws that are now holding his neck together), Peter has finally undergone the last set of operations on his knees, which have enabled him to walk without the use of his stick. He attributes his recovery to his ability to have a good laugh and his circle of loving family and friends.

He expects the role of “Andrew” to be a challenge, but is glad to be given the opportunity to address the issue of acquired disability, and hopes it will give people an insight into those who do not have the option of getting out of the chair.

Peter will be seen on Australian screens in the recurring guest role of surgeon “Donny Tremayne” on All Saints from mid-August 2006.