Richard Herbert (Dickie) Bligh (deceased)
Wakka Wakka
Retired Lance Corporal
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Royal Australian Infantry Corps
Vietnam Veteran
Australian Active Service Medal with clasp Vietnam
Vietnam Medal
Australian Service Medal with clasp Malaysia
Australian Defence Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Returned From Active Service Badge
Army Combat Badge
Born in Kingaroy, Queensland, Richard Bligh was a man of family, the bush, the army, of community service, and of peace. His extraordinary Mother taught him to value education and to take care of others.
After almost eight years in the regular army, followed by almost 8 years in the Reserves, he began work with Aboriginal Hostels. This took him to Western Australia, with his wife and three children. He went to university and became a Community Development Officer for the Shire of East Pilbara. He advocated for the Indigenous Communities and worked to negotiate agreement between the indigenous and non-indigenous people, where they came into contact, particularly in the town of Newman.
Returning to Perth, he was a prison visitor for the prevention of deaths in custody, a facilitator for men’s groups, a peer health educator for the Dept of Veterans Affairs, and a listening ear for his family, mates, and total strangers. Many a troubled soul was enticed to share their pain by a free meal, a coffee, or the jacket he was wearing. He never judged. He was always tolerant. He sought only to support anyone in need.
Later, he explored his natural talent to paint incredible pictures. When he was not being the naughtiest and cheekiest practical joker, always catching people by surprise, Richard (Dickie) Bligh was a quiet and retiring man. He did not need people to know what a caring and loving human being he was – he just was.
He found the opportunities he was seeking and used them for the benefit of others. He passed in March 2023. A great loss to us all.