I'm an Australian, born 6 December 1942.

I am also known as Peter John Caldwell. My father, William (Bill) Ralph Beech was killed a few days before I was born during the Second World War on 1 December 1942 when his ship, HMAS ARMIDALe, was sunk by Japanese torpedo bombers between Darwin, Australia and Betano, Timor Leste (then Portuguese Timor). My mother remarried when I was 5, and since then I've mostly been known by my stepfather's surname.

I was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. I have lived in many places in Australia, in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and in the Northern Territory. I've also lived in Ghana and Philippines, and have visted many countries. I'm married with 4 children and 11 (soon to be 12) grandchildren. I'm a public servant.