Meet Sandra

Lockie's mum & the author of 'Lockie The Famous City Dog'

Born in 1960, Sandra has lived in WA all her life. She’s the youngest of four girls and has lived most of her life in the northern suburbs.

In 2019 she moved into an apartment in the city with her husband Peter and Golden Retriever dog, Lockie.

She is the proud mother of 2 married children and has 5 grandchildren whom she absolutely adores.

Her background is in Home Economics, teaching for 6 years in WA high schools in the 1980’s.

In 1987 she became a mum and helped Peter start and manage a plumbing business that they ran for 33 years.

Born in 1960, Sandra has lived in WA all her life. She’s the youngest of four girls and has lived most of her life in the northern suburbs.

In 2019 she moved into an apartment in the city with her husband Peter and Golden Retriever dog, Lockie.

She is the proud mother of 2 married children and has 5 grandchildren whom she absolutely adores.

Her background is in Home Economics, teaching for 6 years in WA high schools in the 1980’s.

In 1987 she became a mum and helped Peter start and manage a plumbing business that they ran for 33 years.

As a teenager, she wanted to become a journalist but didn’t have the self-confidence to pursue it. However, the desire to be a writer never left her. Even when typing the plumbing reports, Sandra was meticulous with ensuring clients could understand the procedures Peter had undertaken at their property. The plumbing processes were often complex and it was a writing skill that she became proficient at and was proud of.

Her background is in Home Economics, teaching for 6 years in WA high schools in the 1980’s.

In 1987 she became a mum and helped Peter start and manage a plumbing business that they ran for 33 years.

Born in 1960, Sandra has lived in WA all her life. She’s the youngest of four girls and has lived most of her life in the northern suburbs.

In 2019 she moved into an apartment in the city with her husband Peter and Golden Retriever dog, Lockie.

She is the proud mother of 2 married children and has 5 grandchildren whom she absolutely adores.

With the move to Perth CBD, Sandra soon discovered that her dog, Lockie, was getting a lot of attention from passers-by. It appeared that the novelty of seeing a big dog in the city brought people joy, and it gave her an idea.

After discovering ‘The Society of Women Writers WA’, she participated in a couple of writing workshops. With the help of acquaintance and local artist Rina Bhabra, Sandra found the confidence to write her first book, a children’s picture book entitled, ‘Lockie the Famous City Dog’ and that’s just the beginning.

Meet Rina

The artist who illustrated 'Lockie The Famous City Dog'

I am an Australian artist living in Perth and my journey began in East Africa, the place of my birth. The beautiful wild animals of Kenya have influenced my life as an artist. Untamed Africa is where I cultivated and nurtured my love of colour, movement and vibrancy in my style as a painter.

I began to experiment with vivid earthy colours and with this, came a freedom to break away from the technical restraints of artistic rules and I saw art as a way of freeing myself from the world to become that unique voice as an artist. I use any medium to express myself and nothing is off limits.

Coming to Australia in 2001, bought a whole new perspective and experience. My recent exposure to the beauty of the Australian urban jungle which now consists of my latest “Perth” series reflects this.

Art has been in my blood from the time that I was very young and naturally this became an obsession during a very trying time in my life of being diagnosed with breast cancer and then a few years later, meningitis. My illnesses have made me appreciate every day of my life and desire to live and leave a mark of happiness in this journey. Art was the one major healing force through this time. I paint with my heart!