Local Bloke… John Dicks from Bondi Beach

By Dan Hutton on April 24, 2019 in People

Not sweating the small stuff, by James Hutton.

Bondi’s John Dicks, Headmaster of Coogee Boys’ Preparatory School, recently escaped the Bondi bubble and made his way down the coast to lovely La Perouse. He shares his local favourites with The Beast…

How long have you lived here? After years living at Bondi Beach, we decided to make the move out of what my kids refer to as the ‘Bondi bubble’. About ten months ago we packed up and moved to La Perouse. I still find myself at Bondi every other weekend and most afternoons after work for a swim or surf.

Why do you live here? While I will always call Bondi home, I wanted to be by the ocean and still be able to park out the front of my house. La Perouse is a beautiful part of the world and I can walk out my front door to the ocean.

What’s your favourite beach? I’m a Bondi guy at heart. Life’s always revolved around surfing and hanging out at the beach. Now, if the surf isn’t working I grab my paddle board and head to La Perouse or Rose Bay.

What’s your favourite eatery? The Italian on O’Brien Street in Bondi. It’s good hearty Italian food and excellent customer service in a relaxed setting. Paul and Mary know their regulars by name and always have time to greet you with a smile.

Where do you like to have a drink? If we are out with the kids, I can’t go past a cocktail at China Diner. When I’m at home it’s a Corona on the balcony.

Best thing about the Eastern Suburbs? It’s home. My kids were raised here. My family lives here. You can’t beat the Eastern Suburbs lifestyle.

Worst thing about the Eastern Suburbs? At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man, the summer traffic is ridiculous and the parking is even worse.

Do you have a favourite sporting team? Go the Roosters!

What music are you into at the moment? Always Van Morrison, Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, Buena Vista Social Club and more recently Daniel Castro.

Who is your favourite person? Do I have to pick one? My kids, my partner, my grandson – I’ve a close family and too many good friends to pick just one. My mother would say she is!

What do you get up to on the weekends? If we are staying in Sydney, you will either find me paddle boarding at La Perouse or grabbing a surf at Bondi Beach. I’m the President of the Bondi Longboard Club, so one Sunday a month on comp day, you will find me at the Bondi carpark from about 7.00am judging and competing.

What do you do for work? I’m the Headmaster of Coogee Boys’ Preparatory School in Randwick. I’ve been there for 23 years.

What’s your favourite thing about work? The dedicated and brilliant staff I work with and the wonderful students who walk through the door each day. It’s only a small school, where each teacher knows every student. The school is moving into its 105th year and I’m proud to be a part of that history.

Do you have a favourite quote? Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Any other words of wisdom for readers of The Beast? Working hard towards something you are passionate about is incredibly fulfilling. Now that I’m older and a little wiser, I can’t tell you enough how important it is to maintain a sound work/life balance and look closely at what is really important to you.