Mr Caligari has led the 3BA Christmas Appeal, and the subsequent 3BA Christmas in July Appeal, since the first campaign launched in 1980. The station estimates the beloved appeals director has raised several million dollars in donated goods and cash. 

Mr Caligari, who is almost 79 years old, was proud how much the appeal had grown and become a Ballarat institution. 

“My decision now draws the curtain on 62 years involvement in the radio industry, something in which I take some personal satisfaction,” Mr Caligari said in a statement.

“I have never lost sight of the fact that whilst the appeals have been incredibly successful, this has only been made possible by the wonderfully generous and caring Ballarat community, who continue to recognise we have so many families who are in desperate need of assistance.

“I would like to extend my most grateful appreciation for your outstanding support and generosity, in particular to my wonderful wife Ola who has given me incredible support and I step down from my role with great pride and satisfaction for what the appeals have achieved.”

The Christmas appeal supports almost 4,500 Ballarat families via welfare agencies Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare, St Vincent de Paul Society and the Salvation Army. Agencies reported a 10 to 15 per cent rise in need for help in Ballarat last Christmas. 

There has also been an increasing strain on agencies through winter the past couple of years, particularly with rising energy costs. Mr Caligari met with the four agencies when he retired as 3BA and PowerFM’s managing director in 2001 to first try to meet need for assistance in the city’s coldest months.

PowerFM and 3BA general manager John Fitzgibbon paid tribute to Mr Caligari’s long, selfless passion in leading the campaigns. He assured the station was working to ensure the appeals would continue.

“It is imperative now more than ever that we continue Peter Caligari’s legacy and take the appeals forward into the future,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“It’s difficult for all of us here at 3BA and Power FM. Peter and Ola are part of the family and their health is our priority.  We will work hard every day to honour what Peter has created and thank him for what he has given over so many years.”

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