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 20 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.

“John Bicknell of Bargo, at 87 years old has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours. John Bicknell, arrived in Australia as a British child migrant. He overcame a challenging start in life to run a Lakesland orchard for 55 years. He also served 40 years as a member of the local fire brigade, including three as president. He is a passionate advocate for farmers, he campaigned on issues like water access and founded action groups. John was an advocate 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. Mr Bicknell is also a prolific writer and speaker, documenting his experiences in books such as The Dirty Bloody Jizzy and Twelve Years in "Care", and giving over 50 talks. Beyond farming and writing, he has been active in music, church communities, and mentoring students at Picton and Mount Annan High Schools. John has overcome many challenges to become the person he is today and thoroughly deserves this recognition.” - Mrs JUDY HANNAN (Wollondilly) Parliment of New South Wales Legislative Assembly Hansard – 03 February 2026