Quirindi

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to children with sight and hearing impairments, and to the community

IT’S a philosophy from his late grandfather that has guided Tony Todman’s community work throughout his life.

“He said, ‘You pass through this world only once – whatever you can do for others, do it’,” Mr Todman said.

The Quirindi charity champion has faithfully followed those words, dedicating his time and passion to a host of organisations.

For four decades, Mr Todman has been on the board of the Abstract Committee, a fundraising arm of the Royal Institute of Deaf and Blind Children, rising to become a president and life member of the organisation.

Among his other philanthropic roles are involvements in Meals on Wheels, NSW Rural Fire Service, Scouts, a number of surf lifesaving organisations and the Australian Property Institute.

Since moving to Quirindi on retirement, the 73-year-old has immersed himself in the Liverpool Plains community.

But he said helping improve the lives of sight- and hearing-impaired children was the most gratifying work he had done.

“You go through life and have a couple of kids and you can only hope they are born healthy,” Mr Todman said.

“When you see the disadvantage some children are born with, you realise how lucky you are to have full sight and hearing.”