From hardship to service

John Bicknell aged 87 had a hard start to life, but he thrived in his adopted country and has always been ready to lend a hand when needed.

Mr Bicknell has been recognised for his decades of contribution to community organisations and rural advocacy, receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

“I am shocked. I never had any idea that people would be so interested,” he said.

From farming and firefighting to writing and mentoring, Mr Bicknell has immersed himself fully in every pursuit he has taken on.

For 55 years he ran an orchard at Lakesland. He also served with the Lakesland Fire Brigade for four decades, including three years as president. He has been a tireless advocate for farmers, helping to establish action groups and campaigning on issues such as water access.

Alongside his activism, he became a prolific letter writer to newspapers, using the forum to highlight challenges facing agriculture.

Mr Bicknell said his motivation came from a strong belief in fairness and his Christian faith.

“It was up to me to put things right,” he said.

His passion for justice extended beyond farming. He also spoke out about the experiences of British child migrants sent to Australia, determined to expose the reality behind promises of a better life.

Mr Bicknell was one of those children. Abandoned by both parents, he was sent to Australia with his brother and arrived at the boys’ home in Picton at the age of nine. When he was old enough to leave, he set about building a life of his own and has given back to the community tenfold.

“A lot of boys and girls who went through the system could not get over it,” he said.

Writing became a powerful outlet. His first book, The Dirty Bloody Jizzy, chronicled his experiences at the boys’ farm in Picton and proved a cathartic release. He later published Twelve Years in “Care”: A British Child Migrant’s Story, Birds N Words, Birds Are Intelligent, and other works. Self-published, he has delivered around 54 talks on his books and continues to enjoy the written word.

Life on the orchard brought its own challenges, including battling fires on his property and neighbouring farms. He said the local fire brigade was a vital asset in the area, where farmers often had to respond quickly in emergencies.

Beyond rural life, Mr Bicknell was a foundation member and soloist with the Macarthur Singers from 1977 to 1992 as well as other musical groups. He has also been deeply involved with the Wollondilly Anglican Church and other churches, and has mentored students at Picton High School for 18 years and Mount Annan High School for five years – a role he cherishes.

In 2024 he was named Senior Citizen of the Year at the Wollondilly Shire Council Australia Day Awards.

Mr Bicknell, a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, said he does not know who nominated him for the OAM, but he is deeply grateful for the recognition.

John Bicknell pictured in front some of his books is an OAM recipient.