Tess Stroud was educated on the goldfields of Western Australia and lived on various cattle stations in the north-west where she was active in isolated children's education and School of the Air, the Royal Flying Doctor's Service, and the Country Women's Association, as well as publishing her book of outback poetry. She was a foundation (and first woman) councillor of the West Pilbara Shire Council in 1975.

When her husband retired in the late 1970s, the couple moved to Perth where Stroud continued her involvment in community activities including the WA branch of the Stockman's Hall of Fame, serving as a national director at one stage. As a Perth city councillor (1995-2003) she was also on the board of management of the Perth International Arts Festival and the Perth Threatre Trust. She was Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Perth from 1997-1999, as well as being a member of the Women Writers' Association. Her works have appeared in the magazines Post and Rail and Bronze Swagman.