Born and raised in Inverell, Terence started volunteering in 1975 with North West Division State Emergency Service where he progressed to flood boat captain, then sub local controller.

He then transferred to Inverell SES where he was deputy local controller until 1992 and stepped back to first aid training officer for the Inverell unit.

Terence joined the Rural Fire Service in 1979 as a foundation member with Inverell Headquarters Brigade, progressing to deputy captain, senior deputy then captain from 1982 to 1990 as well as being a group captain from 1984.

In 1990 he took on the job of part-time fire control officer for Inverell  District RFS and in 1997 became Inverell’s first full time FCO.

His RFS activities brought him to Taree in 2009 as the community safety officer, a post that has morphed into district coordinator – community engagement.

This job entails a considerable amount of out-of-hours work.

Terence also organised Relay for Life teams from the RFS in 2010, 2012 and 2014 and has been a blood donor at Sydney, Inverell and Taree from 1970 to 2013.

He was awarded the National Medal in 2012 for outstanding service in the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service.

In 1982 he joined St Johns Ambulance as an instructor, becoming a life member in 1994. He held the post of chairman for the North West Regional Committee St Johns from 1998 to 2009. He has trained more than 5000 people in first aid.

Terence was admitted as a member to the Most Venerable Order of The Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in 2008.

He is currently an active participant in the Tidy Up Taree committee.

He also worked as the safety officer for the Rotary District Conference and did many other associated jobs like displaying the club banners.

As a regular member he assists with Bunnings barbecues and at this time he is being instrumental in setting up a RotaKids Programme in our primary schools and Interact for the high schools.