Photograph by Belinda Mason OAM 2016, inkjet on brushed aluminium 60cm x 40cm
Wakka Wakka
Lance Corporal
8th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
Royal Australian Infantry Corps
Australian Army
Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp Vietnam
Vietnam Medal
Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp SE Asia
Australian Defence Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Infantry Combat Badge
Returned from Active Service Badge
“I had always lived and worked in the bush. I had never lived in a house with running water or electricity. I wanted a different life, a future with more opportunities. I knew about Vietnam. I wanted to fight for my country, for All Australians. On 13 March 1968, when I was 21, I took the train to Brisbane, the train to join the army. We got three meals a day, running water, hot showers, and light at the flick of a switch. I thought it was heaven. It was the start of my new life, and it was a life-changing experience. Some of the blokes that I served with have been my friends for over fifty years now.”
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 eight 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.