Ted Hicks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir
Ted Hicks
|
|
|---|---|
| Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand | |
| In office 1968–1971 |
|
| Preceded by | David McNicol |
| Succeeded by | Dame Annabelle Rankin |
| Secretary of the Department of Defence | |
| In office 28 October 1956 – 5 January 1968 |
|
| Preceded by | Sir Frederick Shedden |
| Succeeded by | Sir Henry Bland |
| Secretary of the Department of Air | |
| In office 22 December 1951 – 1956 |
|
| Preceded by | Melville Langslow |
| Succeeded by | Tich McFarlane |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edwin William Hick
9 June 1910 Elsternwick, Victoria |
| Died | 14 May 1984 (aged 73) Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |
| Resting place | Gungahlin Cemetery |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Spouses | Jean MacPherson (m. 1937–59; her death) Lois Una Swindon (m. 1961–84; his death) |
| Alma mater | Australian National University |
| Occupation | Public servant |
Sir Edwin William "Ted" Hicks (born June 9, 1910 – died May 14, 1984) was an important Australian public servant and diplomat. He worked for the Australian government in many big jobs. One of his most important roles was leading the Department of Defence from 1956 to 1968. This department helps keep Australia safe.
Contents
Who Was Sir Ted Hicks?
Ted Hicks was a very important person in the Australian government. He was a "public servant," which means he worked for the government to help run the country. He also became a "diplomat," representing Australia in other countries.
Early Life and Education
Ted Hicks was born in a place called Elsternwick, near Melbourne, on June 9, 1910. He went to two schools: Haileybury College and Melbourne Grammar School. In 1927, when he was 17, Ted and his family moved to Canberra. There, he studied Commerce at Canberra University College. This college is now part of the Australian National University.
Important Roles in Government
Ted Hicks started working for the government and quickly showed he was very good at his job. In 1951, he became the Secretary of the Department of Air. This department was in charge of Australia's air force.
Because he did such a great job there, he was given an even bigger role. In 1956, Ted Hicks became the head of the Department of Defence. This department is responsible for protecting Australia. He took over from Sir Frederick Shedden, who had been in the role for a very long time, even during World War II. Ted Hicks led the Department of Defence for 12 years, until 1968.
Serving Australia Overseas
In December 1967, Ted Hicks decided to leave his job at the Department of Defence. He then took on a new role as Australia's High Commissioner to New Zealand. A High Commissioner is like an ambassador. They represent their country in another Commonwealth country. He started this job in early 1968 and served until 1971.
Later Life
Ted Hicks passed away in the Royal Canberra Hospital on May 14, 1984.
Awards and Honours
Ted Hicks received several important awards for his hard work and service to Australia.
- In May 1956, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award was given to him for his excellent service as the Secretary of the Department of Air.
- In June 1965, while he was leading the Department of Defence, he was honoured as a Knight Bachelor. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name.
