Tony Brooks was born in Newcastle, NSW, and attended school at Windsor State School, Brisbane.
Brooks worked as a horse team offsider at 'Enniskillen' Station, Blackall, a jackaroo at Quilpie, a barman at Maryborough, and a drink waiter at the Old Grand Hotel, Brisbane. He once worked at Hayman Island, and on fishing boats in Moreton Bay. From 1945-1947 Brooks served with the Royal Australian Navy as a Stoker.
In 1961 Brooks went to Mt. Isa to work as a rigger and gained employment with Mt. Isa Mines. He was a union activist in the mine strike of 1964, and afterwards his employment file was endorsed, 'never again to be employed by Mt. Isa mines'.
After a period on meagre strike pay, and needing to support five sons and two daughters, Brooks borrowed money to buy his first taxi. He went on to become the first manager of United Cabs Pty Ltd, Mt. Isa. Brooks and his family also ran a prosperous farm on the Atherton Tablelands.
Brooks is known for his achievements as a writer, poet and balladist, and his work has been given publicity by Country Western music artists such as Reg Poole, Slim Dusty and Ernie Bridge.
