From Army to SES leader, Peter Todd keeps giving back

FOR Brookfield’s Peter Todd, service has never been just a job – it’s been a lifelong commitment to community, family, and country.

Growing up in Wentworthville in Sydney’s west, Peter’s early years were grounded in local schools and a strong sense of community.

But at just 18, he made a decision that would shape the course of his life – joining the Australian Army in 1979.

As a Combat Engineer and driver in the Royal Australian Engineers, Peter rose to the rank of Corporal, becoming a trainer and testing officer responsible for preparing others for the demands of military life.

Over two decades, he served across New South Wales and Queensland, taking part in major exercises from Victoria to Rockhampton and even deploying to Fiji to support infrastructure projects under Australia’s aid program.

After retiring from the Army in 1999, Peter transitioned into civilian life, taking on various roles and learning new skills.

But the physical toll of his military service eventually caught up with him, leading to medical retirement and a long road of recovery – one he continues to navigate today with the support of his veteran assistance dog, Titan.

Beyond his professional life, Peter’s greatest pride lies in his family.

A devoted father, he raised three daughters largely on his own after gaining full custody when they were young.

Today, he is a proud grandfather to six grandchildren – a close-knit family he describes as his “pride and joy.”

But even while raising a family and managing life’s challenges, Peter never stopped giving back.

His volunteering journey began at 18 with Rotaract, where he held leadership roles and helped raise funds for community causes.

Later, he dedicated nearly three decades to school P&C committees, often serving as President and advocating for improvements like air conditioning in classrooms – something many schools now take for granted.

His connection to service organisations continued through the RSL, where he supported community events, before finding what would become one of his most impactful roles with the NSW State Emergency Service.

Peter joined the Holroyd SES Unit in 1988, eventually rising to Deputy Local Controller.

Over the years, he responded to major incidents including hailstorms in Sydney and Singleton, floods in Kempsey, and windstorms in Dubbo.

In one of his most significant leadership moments, he coordinated a major storm response involving more than 2,000 calls for assistance.

After later transferring to Penrith and eventually stepping away from the SES in 2014, Peter made a tree change to a rural property in Brookfield, seeking a quieter life.

But retirement from volunteering was never going to last.

When the opportunity came to help re-establish the Dungog SES Unit, Peter stepped forward once again, this time as Unit Commander.

Today, he leads a small but dedicated team, training hard to ensure they’re ready to support their community when disaster strikes.

“I wanted to show my girls that you make time to help where you can,” he said.

Now, he’s encouraging others to do the same.

With roles ranging from field operations to behind-the-scenes support, Peter says there’s a place for everyone in the SES.

“If you are looking for some way to help your local community then I would say become a volunteer of the Dungog SES Unit and learn new skills or even bring skills with you.

“We are recruiting for members for field work and if that is not what you can then maybe in the operations room might be the place to be.

“There is a job for everyone who wants to volunteer at Dungog SES.”

Go to the SES website for more information: ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer