Influential special educator in Victoria We’re sorry, this service is currently unavailable. Please try again later. Dismiss By Avril Pickering, Megan Casey and Tony Thomas May 21, 2021 — 11.41am Normal text size DESMOND MICHAEL PICKERING February 6, 1939-February 13, 2021 Desmond Pickering, who played a key role in the development of special education in Victoria in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, had died aged 82. Des – one of five children born to Eileen and Arthur Pickering – spent his early life in Victoria Street, Richmond. As a young man, he was a well-rounded athlete who played cricket, basketball and trained with the under-19s Richmond football team. He enjoyed his time in the commando unit of the army where the physical challenges of training were to his liking as was jumping out of planes.