John Richard Bicknell OAM

John is an active writer, speaker and mentor in Wollondilly Shire, Australia.

John was an orchardist for 55 years growing cherries, peaches, apples and nashi pears.  John put himself forward twice as a councillor for Wollondilly Shire Council [unsuccessfully] however continued fighting for many years for farmers rights to farm; attending and convening many meetings and was the secretary/president of a number of organisations such as the Orchard Industry Action Group, The Oaks/Oakdale Water Supply Scheme; and including being president of the Lakesland Bushfire Brigade for three consecutive years also attending many fires over a long period of time. For leisure he continues to sing tenor, having studied for 6 years with a private teacher in Sydney and singing in many choirs; yet John prefers singing solo with piano accompaniment.

Because of his upbringing as a British Child Migrant: having served 12 years in homes for boys: 3 years in England at Ifield Hall in the county of Sussex; 9 years in Australia at Mowbray Park in New South Wales; he has the capacity to read the body language of High School students using this gift by being a mentor to many students over the past 13 years or so.

John is married to Eileen who successfully bore and nurtured 4 children and they now have 12 grandchildren, celebrating 50 years of marriage in 2021.