Mrs Wicks is one of those people who does things to help, not for money, not for reward and not for recognition. 

She doesn’t expect anything in return as she feels it is her role as a Christian and is directed by her faith to be a messenger of God. 

On Friday, Mrs Wicks was one of the leaders of the Procession of Witness to celebrate Good Friday, and although the numbers of public participants were down on previous years, Mrs Wicks said she never measures success in numbers, but rather in the value people get out of things. 

The mother of six and grandmother of six has lived in the Scone area for the past 43 years and is considered a local.

Throughout time the willing lady has immersed herself in the local community and wouldn’t have it any other way, as she enjoys the satisfaction of helping people and promoting good in the community. 

Mrs Wicks was born in Sydney as one of four children who spent their childhood growing up in Sydney and a few years on the Gold Coast before moving to Scone when she was 15. 

Her father, Harry Willey, moved to Scone to open up a barber shop in 1970 where he worked for many years and trained the likes of Chris Winter. 

Rather than starting back at school, Mrs Wicks launched straight into the workforce when she started working in the office at M Campbell and Company. 

After a time there she changed and worked for a solicitor before marrying local man Allen Wicks in 1975.

Throughout the next chapter of her life Mrs Wicks raised their six children who were born in just under 12 years – Darryn, Rebekah, Kate, Eryn-May, Gavyn and Mary-Anne, and who she is extremely proud of.

The busy lady kept herself amused by studying and                  volunteering, as she always likes to keep her mind and brain active and keep an open view of the world. 

She has always supported Mr Wicks in running their property ‘Homelands’ – a 1000 acre sheep and cattle property just west of Scone. 

Upon launching back into work life, Mrs Wicks travelled to Muswellbrook for 12 years working to seek jobs for the long term unemployed. 

It’s no surprise this role was one she cherished. 

“I really enjoyed the role of taking someone who had been unemployed for a long time, showing them they have skills and placing them in an appropriate job,” she said. 

“Being able to help people find a job and realise their skills is very fulfilling.”

For the past 18 years, Mrs Wicks has worked as the office manager at Robrick Lodge Thoroughbreds, formally Bhima where she continues to enjoy her role. 

It never mattered what area of the community it was, Mrs Wicks liked to become involved.

When one of her daughters wanted to play touch football and she found the committee were struggling for volunteers, Mrs Wicks took on the role of secretary of the association, which she continued for nine years. 

She was the secretary of the Bunnan Tennis Club for five years and was very involved in the Scone Grammar School, being the P&F president for some time and a member of the school council for six years, including two years after her children had finished school.

Always keen to socialise, Mrs Wicks has also recently joined Inner Wheel and is enjoying a new way to meet people and help the community.

After becoming a Christian when she was 28-years-old Mrs Wicks has been extremely involved with the St Luke’s Anglican Church.

Throughout the past 10 years she has actively studied theological and pastoral care to be equipped to be the community outreach person of the church. 

In this role, Mrs Wicks feels she can take something to the people rather than people having to come to the church. 

Some of the numerous events she organises are the Community Christmas Carols, the Procession of Witness, Education Week service and Thanksgiving for Medical and Emergency Service Personnel. 

“I try to reach out to people rather than expect them to come into the church building, as a church can be quite a scary place to some people,” Mrs Wicks said. 

“I’m a people person so I enjoy doing anything with people and I feel if I can be God’s messenger then I can be encouraging and helpful.”

In 2013, Mrs Wicks was a committee member of the Scone Rural Women’s Gathering as she is passionate about helping other women, especially in her role with the Australian Breastfeeding Association, formerly the Nursing Mothers Association. 

Mrs Wicks is a counsellor of the group which encourages and supports new mothers to breastfeed and welcomes all mothers. 

She first joined the association 38 years ago when she was pregnant with her eldest and is still an active member in the group she believes is a great connection and support for all mothers, as well as being a great social outlet to meet other mothers and chat. 

Mrs Wicks is the current group leader of the local group, as well as volunteering her time for the Australia wide helpline for eight hours every month. 

A qualified counsellor, she provides face-to-face and online training to new counsellors to allow them to offer the same great support she can.

Mrs Wicks said she finds great satisfaction in being an encouraging voice with the correct information and support to be able to reassure mums they are doing a good job, and that being a mother is hard but it does get easier.

“And I can say that with confidence because I have been there and gotten to the other side,” she said. 

“Having a baby is the steepest learning experience you will experience in your life.

“I am passionate about giving women the opportunity to breastfeed and providing suggestions, and I am equally passionate to encourage mothers in mothering with confidence.”

The care and passion of this woman emanates from her as you speak to her, as she says she is passionate about certain things in life and people are one of those. 

“I believe all people should be treated as people no matter what.

“We are so blessed to live in Australia where we can get an education, choose a religion and a political party without fear because we live in a free country.

“I’m proud to be an  Australian and I am willing to share it as well,” Mrs Wicks said. 

“I always try to look for the best in everyone and I believe the willingness to get in and help and share is better than any payment.

“I’ve never walked away from helping someone without             feeling I have received just as much back as I have given.”