Having delivered thousands of babies and cared for just as many women in the region, Dr Wicks prided himself on providing high-quality and compassionate care.
Now Dr Wicks, who turned 100 in November 2024, says he is experiencing that same level of care as one of the first patients to undergo treatment at the new Icon Cancer Centre at The Bays radiation oncology service.
Following the discovery of a lesion on his nose in 2024, Dr Wicks was diagnosed with skin cancer – his second battle with cancer after he was diagnosed and successfully treated for prostate cancer in the early 2000s.
After being advised to undergo radiation therapy for his skin cancer, Dr Wicks opted to wait to have his treatment at Icon at The Bays, which opened to patients at the start of 2025, under the care of local radiation oncologist, Dr David Blakey.
“I can’t speak highly enough of the care I have received at the new centre. Dr Blakey and the team at Icon have been very kind to me,” says Dr Wicks.
“This new service is a wonderful asset for people living on the Mornington Peninsula and for those living further south.
“Given my age, I can’t drive anymore, so I rely on my family and friends to take me to my daily (radiation therapy) treatments. I didn’t want to travel to Frankston each day, so I decided to wait until the new centre opened.
“It’s marvellous to have such high calibre cancer treatments now available in Mornington.”
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Dr Wicks first started as a locum GP in Mornington in 1954, before spending time in England, where he trained in obstetrics and gynaecology. He returned to Australia in 1959, becoming the first obstetrician and gynaecologist based on the Mornington Peninsula.
Dr Wicks made significant contributions to the local community, participating in community health initiatives beyond his medical duties, leaving a lasting impact on countless local families.
Having retired in his 80s, Dr Wicks enjoys spending time with his family. He is a great-grandfather to 30 children.
After celebrating his centenary birthday last year, his advice for a long and prosperous life is simple – spend time with your family and stay active.
“There’s a lot to be said for having a happy family. I would have to say that’s the secret, together with activities and keeping up a social life. They are the most important things,” says Dr Wicks.
Icon at The Bays is another step forward in providing world-class healthcare, close to home for residents of the Mornington Peninsula Shire, with the centre providing cutting-edge radiation therapy treatments for all cancer types.
The centre is located within The Bays Cancer Care Centre, providing an integrated service for cancer patients in one location.
Find out how to become a patient at Icon Cancer Centre, or request more information from your nearest centre.
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At Icon, care is more than just a word. Our cancer care team are here to support you with compassion, knowledge and hope.
Our patients share their perspective and advice.