Reward for a lifetime of giving back

As a young boy growing up in South Africa, Tony Brooker never dreamed of becoming a wealthy man.

He did not wish for fast cars or for piles of money, instead he dreamed of a life that could offer him a different sort of riches — the kind that comes from helping people to learn, grow and create a better place to live.

Now at 77 and a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to secondary education and the community, it is safe to say Mr Brooker has achieved just that.

The Geraldton local has spent his life as an educator, in the role of teacher, principal, trustee and board member to name a few of a long list.

Following in his father’s footsteps, his achievements span across the nation, from teaching at Melbourne Grammar to his appointment as principal at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School

Locally, Mr Brooker has made his mark in even more fundamental ways.

After leaving a teaching role in Morawa, he became Geraldton Grammar School’s foundation principal in 1996 and was instrumental in planning the school’s structure. He stayed until his retirement at 61, leaving with the honour of a building named after him.

But where most would choose to spend their retirement winding down, Mr Brooker chose to be part of the resurrection of a second educational institute in Geraldton.

Mr Brooker began his role of foundation chairman of the Geraldton Institute Incorporated, trading as the Geraldton University Access Group.

With his help, Geraldton Universities Centre is now thriving and Mr Brooker remains a board member.

The educator shows no signs of slowing.

“When my wife Jenna and I brought our three daughters to Australia, and later became citizens, we were welcomed with such wide arms,” he said.

“We became a part of this country and I felt like I should give something back to these people for what they showed me in return.

“I always knew from growing up the financial rewards of a teacher were not great, but what I would receive instead by contributing would be so much more.

“So what has kept me wanting to help is encouraging people to strive for the same thing.”