Sydney Frederick "Fred" Dixon was born in London, England. He emigrated to Australia with his parents then on to Canada and back to Australia.

Fred enlisted in World War I and served in France. He had a car sales business in Dixon Street, Sydney, until the early 1930s when his business went bankrupt. He then moved around on the North Coast of NSW.

During World War II, Fred worked for the Civil Construction Corps constructing bridges between Alice Springs and Darwin. After World War II, he joined NSW Forestry Commission and was appointed in charge of Coffs Harbour.

Fred retired in 1958 and moved to Wodonga. He died on 13 November 1974.