Wednesday, 6 March 2024

Members statements

Henry ‘Harry’ Bowden Dickson

Brad BATTIN (Berwick) (09:37): Hey, Harry, I hope you and your crew are celebrating your amazing achievement. Many in this room will not know him, so for the information of the Speaker and the house this members statement is going live to my mate Henry Bowden Dickson, or Harry to many that know him. Harry was born on this day, 6 March, in 1919. And, yes, to the Hansard team, you heard that right: it was in 1919 that Harry was born. Harry is 105 today.

Harry lives in Berwick but has had an amazing life and has seen so much. Born just months after World War I, Harry has seen many conflicts around the globe, including World War II, Vietnam, Korea and more recently in Afghanistan and Iraq, and sadly more conflict is going on today. Harry is a mad Richmond supporter and was around for all but two of the 15 premierships, and I know he simply loves his club. I am pleased to say that he saw 13 of those 15, but I am not a fan of 2000 or 1967, when they beat my beloved Cats. Harry was born during the influenza pandemic of 1918 to 1919 and survived COVID during 2020 to 2021.

The question most have of Harry is: does he still have his marbles? I can confirm that Harry at 105 is funny, honest and a great conversationalist. He can hold an audience and recall details for a great yarn. Harry is 105. He has had a glass of whiskey nearly every day of his life since he was 16 years old at 3 pm, and I invite the room to celebrate with me at 3 o’clock with a glass of whiskey.