Barbara Dickson still drives her car at age 87, delivering for Meals on Wheels. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Barbara Dickson arrived in the world in January 1939 — and almost immediately had to be rushed to safety.
Born in Hillston during one of the most brutal heatwaves in Australian history, she was carried straight into a cool room operated by the Griffith Producers fruit and vegetable cooperative. That month, the heat claimed 113 lives across the state. Newborn babies and the elderly were laid side by side on concrete floors in a desperate bid to keep them alive, in an era before air-conditioning. Among them was Barbara, alongside fellow infant Denis Lorenzi. It was a close shave that marked the beginning of a long life — and a remarkable one.
Now 87, Barbara has spent decades giving back to the Griffith community that once helped save her. She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for more than 50 years and remains best known as a stalwart of Griffith tennis, where she organised tournaments, won more than a few matches herself, and famously delighted fellow players with her chocolate eclairs.
Married to citrus farmer John for 66 years, Barbara’s life has been one of constant activity. She has milked cows, packed seed, towed tillage gear and, from inside the house, run her own ventures teaching dressmaking and china painting. She raised three daughters — Margot, Anne and Jill — and now has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
John and Barbara on their wedding day in 1960. Photo: Supplied.
As part of our Life Lessons series, Region sat down with Barbara to trace the lessons of a life that began in crisis and unfolded in immense community service.
What’s the secret to your longevity?
I’ve always been very active. I played a lot of tennis and won the MIA Open, the annual Griffith tournament. I later became a coach, as did my daughter Margot, who really excelled at the sport. I was also into swimming. I still garden a lot, I eat a healthy diet and I don’t drink much.
How is life different now compared to when you were growing up?
We never used to lock our doors. You didn’t need to back then, but you do now. Children are very different today — they’re in childcare from an early age, whereas we were always at home.
What was your first job?
I was 14 when I got a job as a stenographer at Waltons in Griffith, which is now Fred Cole.
Barbara becomes a Griffith Tennis Club life member alongside Kevin O’Callaghan and Bill Tyson. Photo: Supplied.
How do you cope with modern technology?
I don’t really. I don’t use computers — but my husband is very good with them.
How did you meet your husband?
When my dad was headmaster at Lake Wyangan School, I used to walk or ride my pushbike along the road. John would come past on his motorbike on his way to work and offer me a lift. I said no the first few times, but one day it was raining and I said yes. His friends would take my friends on their bikes too, and we all started going to dances together. He was — and still is — the perfect gentleman. He’s 92 now and still rides his motorbike.
What’s the secret to a successful marriage?
Both partners should be allowed to do what they want to do. We loved water skiing together with the girls, but there were many Sundays when I’d be playing tennis and John would be off riding his motorbike.
Barbara with daughter Anne Mills and cheeky great-grandson Oscar. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Tell me about your childhood.
My parents were Shirley and Ernest Head. Dad was a teacher and later a headmaster, so we moved around a lot — Hillston, Minmi, Milbrodale, Yanco and Lake Wyangan. Life was hard and we worked hard, but we were very happy.
Anything particularly memorable from when you were young?
When we lived in Minmi — which was a rough mining town — I remember the postmaster and postmistress being shot dead. It stayed with you.
What’s a key piece of advice you would give to a teenager today?
Think carefully about what you want to do in Year 12 and make sure you do what you really want to do — not what someone else thinks you should do.
If you know an elderly Riverina resident whose wisdom could teach us a thing or two, call or text Oliver on 0498 843 181 or email: [email protected].
