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
75 Years of Rivalry and Respect
This year’s match holds special meaning, as it marks 75 years since the very first O’Callaghan Cup clash in 1950. Among those who remember the early days is Malcolm Powell, a proud TGS Old Boy (1948-52) who played fullback for the First XV in 1951. Malcolm, now in his nineties, still vividly recalls the thrill of those early games. “I watched the first Cup from the sidelines, I was in the Thirds that year,” Malcolm recalls. The fiercest of rivals but the greatest of friends “Downlands won that…
Our Sesquicentenary
The day was filled with reflection, celebration and a deep sense of connection to the generations who have shaped the School’s legacy. From the opening of a time capsule sealed in 1975, to a Sesquicentenary Assembly that honoured our roots and looked to the future, the occasion was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the TGS community. And of course there was cake! A Message Across Time: Opening the 1975 Time Capsule
Better Together - 2025 IBSC Conference
With its global network of over 300 member schools spanning more than 20 countries, the IBSC advocates for educational opportunities that focus on the holistic development of young men. This year, the IBSC Annual Conference was hosted by Belmont Hill School in Boston, United States, where teachers, school leaders and experts in boys' education gathered under the inspiring theme of "Better Together". Toowoomba Grammar School was proudly represented by Mr Luke Rawle, Ms Abby Varley and Mr Henry…
Reliving the Past, Shaping the Future
Mr Nicholas Hess has been a coach for both rugby and tennis and a boarding supervisor after he finished Year 12 His connection to the School runs deep, from the friendships he formed as a student to his dedication now as a Boarding House Assistant and long-standing member of the Old Boys’ Association (OBA). TGS has had a lasting impact on his life, and he has been only too willing to give back to the place that he loves so much. “There’s something special about being part of the Blue and Gold,”…
Never Give Up
Six years ago, after experiencing ongoing muscle weakness, he was given a life-changing diagnosis - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i (LGMD2i). Basically, Matt’s body doesn’t produce the chemical substance, Ribitol which is crucial for muscle function. He was told there is no treatment or cure, that he would be wheelchair bound in five to ten years and require oxygen, with the likelihood of an early death. But Matt would not accept that fate. Instead, he took up the fight – not just for…
A Magical Collaboration - “Midnight: The Cinderella Musical”
A co-production between Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College, this enchanting musical captivated audiences at the Empire Theatre for two nights in early June, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. A Story Brought to Life “Midnight” is a fresh take on the Cinderella story, featuring music and lyrics by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo, with orchestrations by Anthony Barnhill and additional contributions from Kate Miller-Heidke. The book, written by Dean Murphy and Pip…
Pioneering Excellence: Launching TGS's Athletic Development Program
Our Athletic Development Program represents a paradigm shift in how schools nurture sporting talent—combining cutting-edge technology, evidence-based practices and a whole-person philosophy that prepares young men for success beyond the scoreboard.
Reflecting on the Past, Walking Forward Together
This week is an important time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how we can each contribute to achieving reconciliation. The theme for NRW 2025, 'Bridging Now to Next,' calls on us to honour the past, acknowledge the present and actively build a better future. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a destination, it is a journey guided by reflection, respect and a shared commitment to walking together. As we look back on the…
A Bright Start to our Rising and Leading Series
More than 150 members of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs community joined us to hear from leading demographer and data commentator Simon Kuestenmacher, whose presentation sparked fresh thinking about the decade ahead.