On Monday, August 29, Tony graduated from Charles Sturt University with a diploma of Police Investigation at the age of 57.

While many would perceive his accomplishment as remarkable – to take on study late in life - for his family, it’s his efforts to finish studying despite so many challenges.  

Tony has been a member of the Australian Army since he was 18, taking only a short break from his service after missing the birth of his second child luke.

He and his wife Rhonda have four children, the eldest daughter Elizabeth, a Yass resident and school teacher in the ACT; son Luke, a Captain in the Australian Army; youngest daughter Emma, a Yass resident and soon to be Psychology Student at UC; and daughter Erin, a Yass resident, Law student at UC and Paralegal in the ACT.  

Tony has been serving his country all across the globe, his deployment record includes Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor, to name just a few. 

"I think one of the hardest things was when dad was studying and lost both parents within three months of one another, as well as being deployed to various places. He has always been the rock for everyone in my family,” daughter Erin said. 

Regardless of these obstacles, Tony completed his diploma while simultaneously supporting his family and serving in Malaysia, where he is today. 

“He never gave up and never let his luck in life hold him back,” Erin continued. “We're so proud of his determination, to go through so much and still achieve greatness is really inspirational.”