Meet one of our Foundation Members: Laurie Dicker

Image: Laurie Dicker in 1954

From 18-year-old teacher to Inspector of Schools

”I was born in 1935 during the great depression at Barellan, in the Riverina. At that time there was no electricity, running water, paved roads or sewerage, but it was a wonderful, supportive community."

Teachers on a wet school athletics day at Richmond High I completed my secondary education at Yanco Agricultural High School. Following two years at Armidale Teachers College, and National Service, I started teaching as an 18-year-old at Richmond High School. In 1954 in my first year of teaching, I was one of the first members to join Teachers Health.

After completing my degree from New England University, I taught at Cowra High School, Queanbeyan High School and then on exchange at Kaikorai Valley High School at Dunedin in New Zealand.

In 1969 I was appointed an Inspector of Schools, and spent many years travelling to country schools in NSW. In 1980 I was granted a Teaching Services Fellowship to study educational systems in North America, UK and Europe.

I started teaching as an 18-year-old at Richmond High School. In 1954 in my first year of teaching, I was one of the first members to join Teachers Health.

Laurie and his wife, Marjie After 57 happy years of marriage, my first wife Judy passed away in 2014. My current wife Marjie (who is 85) and I now live in an over-50s resort and are still very active physically, mentally and socially.

We like to travel. In May we went to Fiji. We have just returned from Armidale where I researched material for my 5th crime novel in my HARRY series. In a couple of weeks we are going to Sydney, to see the opera and meet friends and family. In October we are doing the Outback Spirit trip from Adelaide to the Centre. In February we are doing the Mekong cruise. We keep physically active by walking, swimming, tai chi, gymnasium and senior health programs.

17 years ago, I had a triple bypass. Since then I have maintained a good diet and fitness program. During my annual stress echo test this year, my cardiologist stopped me after 9 minutes when I had reached 8kph at an elevation of 16 degrees!

To get to where I am now depended very much on the good work and support of Teachers Health and the staff. Please pass on my best wishes and thanks to all the team.”