It was a family affair on Sunday as relatives of the infamous Richard ‘Dicky’ White got together for a special occasion.
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About 60 family members visited Launceston for fifth descendant Bill White’s 80th birthday, visiting the iconic city lane that pays homage to their ancestor.
Born in England in the late 18th century, Dicky White is remembered by his family as a down on his luck man who turned his life around after being sentenced to death following a highway robbery.
After being transported to Sydney, Dicky was later transferred to Norfolk Island where he served time for his crimes.
After being released he then made his way to Launceston, eventually setting up the city’s first hotel – now the site of Lonnies nightclub.
Descendants of Dicky White can now be found all over Australia, with relatives coming from as far as Hawaii for Sunday’s reunion.
One of 10 children, Bill White said his ancestor’s legacy was something to behold and that without him, his family would cease to exist.
“Well we owe a lot to him, because without him none of this would be possible,” he said.
“We really applaud the council for what they have done here with this lane.
“That is something I think Dicky would be very proud of.”
Mr White said it was the first time the family had all reunited since Dicky White Lane in Quadrant Mall was redeveloped in 2015.
Cheryl White of Melbourne said when the family discovered their connection with the famous name, they became consumed with discovering more about their past.
“It really brought us together as a family in a new way I think,” she said.
“His entire story, we just can’t get enough of it.”