Perth mourns community leader
by Amy Henderson of Out in Perth
Perth’s gay and lesbian community has been saddened by the loss of local social scene writer and beloved personality Holly Wood, who died last night after a long battle with cancer.
The 69-year-old, affectionately called ‘Holly’ was well known and respected for his work with Perth charities and his contribution to the media. He was named City of Perth Citizen of the Year in 1999, and awarded the Centenary Medal.
He was a champion for the less fortunate and a friend to all. Always willing to support a worthwhile cause, he volunteered and committed his time to many organisations and charities over the years.
Holly Wood was one of the founding members of the WA AIDS Council and has continued to support the organisation over the last 24 years. Last year WAAC honoured his contribution with a Life Membership.
“Holly will be greatly missed by all of us here at the AIDS Council,” WAAC executive director Trish Langdon said.
“Not only was Holly a vibrant, colourful member of the community, he was a very gentle and humble man. His loss will be felt by those of us who knew and loved him. Our deepest sympathy goes to his many friends, colleagues and family.”
Holly Wood will be long remembered as someone who did give a damm. He was a tireless worker not only for the wider community but for the Gay community as well. Holly asked me to help provide meal for people living with AIDS and we did this off our own bat for 4 years and then gave it away as the costs to Holly and myself was becoming to great and other community groups needed to pick up the slack. Holl ywas a founding member of ACDC(a casual dinner club) and remained an active participant right up until his death.Never one to give up on anything Holly got me involved with Perth City Missions Christmas Lunch in the Park whhich we did together for 10 years. Holly was made a life member of Rocky Bay which is a charity for disabled children.He worked with the Variety Club,Red Cross the Toy Bank and the AIDS council of WA he was also a founding member of GAGS (Gay Activities Group Services)and was active with them until they wound up after 24 years. Holly was also my travelling companion and I have fabulous memories of our trips. Especially when he came with Team Perth to Amsterdam in 1998 as our Cultural Attache during the Gay Games from there we went around the world. He will be greatly missed.