Tom Williams has earned a reputation on Channel Seven as the resident thrill-seeker.
As a reporter on “The Great Outdoors”, Tom certainly gave his passport a work-out when he paraglided over Switzerland’s Matterhorn, trekked through the dense Guatemalan jungle, explored an active volcano in Costa Rica and walked the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. During his seven year run on the show, Tom went on more than 60 trips spanning 25 countries, including Africa, the Arctic Circle and the Middle East. As a ski/snowboard enthusiast, competitive Ocean Kayaker and keen surfer, he loves getting amongst it.
In addition to being the face of Seven’s digital channel, 7TWO, 2011 saw Tom join the “Classic Rock FM” team to present a two hour weekly lifestyle show each Saturday morning. The show was called “The Tom Williams Show” and covered topics on entertainment, music, topical news, health and fitness.
Tom’s media career began in July 2000 after the licensed carpenter became a regular guest on radio personalities Merrick and Rosso’s Triple J radio show as “Tom the Chippy”. When the comic duo moved to Sydney radio station NOVA 969 in April 2001, Tom moved with them, running “The Chippy’s Driver Reviver” every Friday morning.
His knockabout charm and easy humour made him a popular figure alongside the NOVA breakfast team and the first choice as the resident carpenter on the Seven Network’s DIY show, “Room for Improvement”, in 2001.
But the former chippy first shot to Australian superstardom in 2005 following his performance in Seven’s high rating show “Dancing with the Stars”. More than two million viewers watched as he was crowned champion of series two. Seven found a rare quality in Tom – the capacity to be both approachable and professional.
In 2008, Tom took on the role of co-host for the revived series, “Gladiators” and joined the Channel Seven commentary team at the Beijing Olympics. Later that year, he served as a roving reporter at the network’s coverage of the “Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000”. Since then, Tom has also served as a commentator on Seven’s coverage of the “2009 Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Iron Man” series, co-hosted Season 2 of “Rexona’s Greatest Athlete”, presented on Seven’s “SMG Red Focus” and co-hosted travel show – “High Road Low Road”.
As a former competitive surf lifesaver, Tom felt right at home during his 4 year hosting role on Channel Seven’s, “Surf Patrol”.
In 2011 Tom’s book “DIY Around the Home” was released nationally. Packed full of ideas, the book is a practical, user-friendly guide to some of the most common DIY projects that will improve and enhance the home – inside and out.
When he is not working, he can be seen watching bands around his hometown and hitting the water in the “Ocean Series” and “Fenn Cup Ocean Paddler” competition. A Sydney boy born and bred, Tom is also an ambassador for AFL team, the Sydney Swans and likes to spend his downtime enjoying the sun, sand and surf all over Australia.