Tom Farrell (1904-1996) was always driven by a strong sense of civic duty and community service who worked tirelessly for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter Region. His commitment to the environment led him to fight for the establishment of numerous parks and reserves in and around Newcastle. Keen to see higher education made available locally, he played his part in the establishment of the University of Newcastle. He also devoted much time and energy to the establishment of a seventh state in New South Wales and was a prominent member of the Cardiff Heights Progress Association, the Newcastle University Establishment Group, the Northern Parks and Playgrounds Movement and the New England New State Movement. This book sets out to chart the remarkable career of this inspirational Novocastrian.