Donald Hicks was born on Mulga Downs Station. Hicks' mother was Yindjibarndi and her skin group was Burungu. His father is Dempsey Hicks from Roebourne and is Punjima and Kurrama. He has four brothers, two sisters and three step-brothers. When Hicks was a baby his family moved to Nanutarra and Yanrey Stations. He attended Onslow Primary School and stayed at Gilliamia Hostel. After his parents broke up, Hicks lived with his grandfather and the Parker family at Nanutarra Station. From 1967 to 1969 Hicks studied at Mullewa Agricultural High School, living at Tardun Mission.
In 1970, Hicks began work as a road maintence worker for the Port Hedland Shire and later worked on the Dampier-Tom Price railway lines, and has also worked for Ashburton and Roebourne Shires.
Culture is important to Hicks and he expresses this through his artwork. He has also helped his people by working at the Onslow Outreach Centre. Hicks was married three times and had three children, one from each wife.
