Tom Malone ... age no barrier

Tom Malone - 40 years a fire warden - a lifetime of volunteering

Tom Malone is a man many in the hinterland will recognise and, if you’re lucky enough, you may have had the pleasure of meeting him.

Tomorrow, September 12, Tom celebrates his 90th birthday - proof that when it comes to volunteering and helping out the community age really is no barrier.

Tom - who is not one to boast – says volunteering and being involved in the community is just part of who he is. And he has been continually volunteering for close to 70 years.

“It has been a big part of my life and I’ve been lucky that throughout my life my work has allowed me time to be able to contribute to different projects in the area,” he said.

Governor of Queensland, Mr Paul de Jersey AC presenting Tom with a certificate of appreciation for outstanding contribution towards the historic Maleny farmhouse, Glenferna, restoration project

“I’ve been volunteering since I left school and I feel lucky that I still have the ability to continue with it now.”

For a large part of his life, Tom has been involved with the State Emergency Service (SES) and Rural Fire Brigade. He was pivotal in the establishment of the Maleny and District Rural Fire Brigade. Tom has since retired from those memberships but not before making an impact through many rescues in the region.

In 1980, he was appointed fire warden for the Maleny district and has held that position for almost 40 years. While he is no longer active in fighting fires, he plays an integral part in the overall running of the volunteer fire brigade, which provides an invaluable service to the local region. Tom takes his role very seriously, taking the opportunity to remind the public that fires over 2m require a permit.

Over the years, Tom has been involved in a number of projects throughout the region, many of which continue to have a big impact in our local community. Among his many contributions, Tom was heavily involved with Rotary establishing the caretaker’s residence at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve and pivotal in setting up the Maleny Senior Citizens Club and local soccer club.

Tom has also been heavily involved with St Vincent de Paul Society over the years and was the regional chairman for a number of years. You’ll still see Tom helping out at Landsborough Vinnies, where he provides support for people in need.

When asked about the most rewarding part of his volunteering over the years, Tom said there’s no simple answer but being able to support and be supported by others and to have the ability to “help get things done” had always been a part of what he loves about it.

A fine example that age really has no barrier when it comes to volunteering, Tom has no plans of slowing down heading into his 91st year and says life is not much fun if you don’t keep busy.

Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said Tom was simply amazing. “Everywhere I turn in the hinterland, there he is. And such a gentleman.

“Our local area, indeed the state and nation, would grind to a halt if not for our volunteers and Tom has been, and continues to be at 90, one of the best. “

Happy birthday Tom!" Andrew said.