Tony has lived in the north-eastern suburbs since childhood, attending Pooraka Primary School and Enfield High, before beginning his journey in the workforce with the ANZ Bank in 1969 for seven years.

In 1976, Tony first dipped his toe in politics, working as a research officer for Senator Jim Cavanagh. Between 1977 to 2007, Tony served as Mayor of Salisbury, after being elected to the City of Salisbury Council.

During this 30-year leadership of Council, the City of Salisbury became a world leader in environmental and water management.

While Mayor, Tony also kept his other passion front and centre: Health. Being an Australian power-lifting champion and accredited fitness & weight training instructor, Tony also launched a local fitness centre as an inclusive way to bring his community together.

He continues to live in Pooraka, the suburb he grew up in, with his wife, Vicki and their three children.