"I just couldn't cope any longer living in Christchurch," she said this week.
Mrs Dick and her husband, Graeme, own a house in Oamaru, so they were able to return to live "where it's peaceful and safe".
There had been no damage to their house in Christchurch, although there had been a lot of damage to personal items. Realising she was very lucky, Mrs Dick started thinking about what she could do to help other Christchurch residents who had come to Oamaru for a break or to live permanently.
She is supporting a gathering on Friday organised by the local Ministers' Association which coincides with the national memorial service in Christchurch.
Christchurch people were invited to the Elim Church in Severn St. Lunch would be provided and the memorial service broadcast on a big screen.
Mrs Dick wanted those attending to indicate if they wanted to continue to meet and venues could then be set up.
"I want to see the people of Christchurch who are here living or having a break being looked after, being able to meet one another.
"I want to help these . . . people that have gone through so much trauma, so much heartache. I know how they feel."
If they could gather, they could then meet others and talk about their feelings, what they had been through and what their families had been through.
There would then also be an opportunity to learn of their needs and it might be ongoing until people felt they had adjusted and were part of the community, she said.
While Mrs Dick felt guilty about leaving family members, her work and the people of Christchurch, she said she had no option but to leave. She had already got a job in Oamaru.
