 Terry was born the first child of James "Jim" Daniher and Edna Daniher (née Erwin) on 15 August 1957 at West Wyalong Base Hospital.Terry attended St Joseph's Catholic School, Ungarie for his primary education before going to Ungarie Central School until year ten, after which he became a farmer.It was during his childhood that Terry showed his love for sport, namely Australian rules football, playing in the Northern Riverina Football League (NRFL) on Saturdays while playing rugby league at school carnivals.