Tony Wellington has worked in a broad range of creative arts fields and even dabbled in politics as the Mayor of Noosa Shire. Tony is the author of Happy?: Exposing the Cultural Myths about Happiness , plus a history book, Noosa and Cooloola , and is co-author (with John Shand) of Don't Shoot the Best Boy! The Film Crew at Work . He has also produced several photographic books, the most recent being Wild About Noosa . Over the years, Tony has provided articles, op eds and photographs for many newspapers, magazines and books. Tony graduated from Macquarie University in 1976 majoring in Media and Communications, receiving a university prize for his media studies. For many years he worked on a freelance basis in the feature film and television industry as a scriptwriter, first assistant director, editor and director. He also lectured in media studies and film craft. He has had exhibitions of his quirky, super-realist paintings around Australia, and provided illustrations for book jackets and other publications.

Whilst living in Sydney, Tony ran folk clubs, hosted a radio show, wrote for music magazines and recorded and released his own music. He has three grown children and lives in the Noosa hinterland with his wife.