Tony Booth OAM, born in Toowoomba in 1929, was a champion athlete and lifelong servant of sport whose influence shaped generations of young Australians.
As a schoolboy, Tony excelled at athletics, demonstrating exceptional speed and talent. He went on to win Queensland titles in both the 100 yards and 440 yards, establishing himself as one of the state's premier sprinters.
From 1956 to 1989, Tony devoted more than three decades to coaching athletics, cross-country, swimming and rugby at Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) in Brisbane, where he became a beloved mentor to countless students. His dedication, expertise and genuine care for young athletes left an indelible mark on the school community and the broader sporting landscape.
Tony's lifetime of service to athletics at school, state, national and international levels was recognised in 2015 when he was honoured on the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Wall of Achievement. His contributions to sport were further acknowledged with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Tony Booth is remembered as a champion athlete, dedicated coach and respected community figure whose legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and inspired throughout his remarkable career in sport.
Latest Blog
The Grammar Boy: TGS Character Cast in Bronze for All Time
Unveiled on Friday, 7 November 2025, this new statue is more than a work of art. It is a symbol of the enduring character that has shaped Toowoomba Grammar School for 150 years. The ceremony began with the ringing of the School House bell, it’s a sound many current students were hearing for the first time but one that may just have stirred memories for some of the Old Boys in attendance. As Headmaster Dr John Kinniburgh remarked in his address, “Today is a special occasion… one I’ve been…
Taking TGS Rugby West: making mates in the Longreach district
Last month, Head of Rugby Lincoln Clapham, TGS Old Boys' Association Vice President, Trent Raymond (1989-93) and two Year 11 boarding students, Luke Burrow (2025 First XV Co-captain) and Archie Smart, travelled 11.5 hours west to Longreach to deliver rugby clinics in partnership with the Longreach School of Distance Education (LSODE) and Western Queensland Rugby Union. Archie and Luke had both been to Longreach before but enjoyed the QANTAS Founders Museum The visit was part of a broader…
The Modified Rugby Program’s Game-Changing Impact
Founded in Brisbane in 2014 by the not-for-profit GingerCloud Foundation Limited, the Modified Rugby Program (MRP) gives neurodiverse young people the chance to play a sport and their families the opportunity to be part of a sporting community. It also allows coaches and player mentors the very privileged role of helping these young people have what many consider a normal experience - the joy of being part of a team. For Year 12 boarder Will Brown, it is a cause that is close to his heart.…
When School days become years of Mateship, Growth and Unforgettable Memories
Yesterday’s Awards Assembly for our senior cohort saw lashings of pride, reflection and a time for parents and caregivers to savour the very nearness of graduation after years of growth and grit. As the boys prepare for their final external exams and the much-anticipated Formal, this gathering marked the beginning of their final chapter at Toowoomba Grammar School. The assembly featured a moving reel that traced their growth from wide-eyed Junior School boys to confident young men. There were…
Japan: A Journey of Discovery, Culture and Connection
For 30 students and four staff members from Toowoomba Grammar School, the recent Japan Cultural and Technology Tour was a vibrant tapestry of tradition, innovation and transformation. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, this immersive experience offered students a unique lens through which to view the world. The Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
TGS Puts Boys’ Online Safety First with Global EdTech Honour
This year, Toowoomba Grammar School was honoured at the Global EdTech Awards, becoming the only Australian school to receive recognition in this category of the prestigious international program. While the category - Best Network Manager - may not often make headlines, it celebrates the quiet achievers who empower learning, protect students and enable innovation. Arthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” If that’s true, then network…
Ompelliargo - Episode 2 - School House: A Gothic Revival at the Heart of TGS
School House in 1907 Constructed in 1875, School House is more than just a structure - it’s a symbol of the community’s commitment to education and a cornerstone of the School’s heritage. Designed by Toowoomba architect Willoughby Powell and built by local craftsman John William Garget, the building reflects the Gothic Revival style, a design language that blends classical proportions with pointed arches, intricate fretwork and a sense of grandeur. Heritage architect Ms Stephanie Keays, a…
The Power of Character and Connection Every Day
As we mark R U OK? Day, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and staying connected. Whilst today is a National Day of Action, the message is clear: asking “R U OK?” should not be reserved for just one day of the year. By having regular, meaningful conversations with each other, we create trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on in our lives. This simple but powerful practice ensures that when someone is struggling, they know they have a…
Managing Conflict with Pre-Teens and Teenagers
Understanding the developmental challenges of our boys, particularly in managing emotional resilience and independence, helps parents navigate these moments more effectively. Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of adolescence, and for parents of preteens and teenagers at Toowoomba Grammar School, managing these moments effectively is key to nurturing their emotional growth and maintaining a healthy relationship.
