Vale, Henry Collier

Sydney gay community stalwart and Southern Star board member Henry Collier died last week after a heart attack, aged 69.
Collier, an academic, was dedicated to seeing equality for gay and lesbian Australians realised.
He served as treasurer for the NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby from 1993-98, was a board member of SSO Media, parent company of Southern Star and Sydney Star Observer, for the past three years and over the years had dedicated time to the Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task Force and was a representative to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board’s Gay and Lesbian Consultation Group. He also held the position of national treasurer for the Australian Democrats.
ACON CEO Stevie Clayton presided as co-convenor of the NSW GLRL during Collier’s time with the organisation.
“He was a passionate advocate for our community and for human rights,” she said. “Henry devoted time to being treasurer, because he knew that was an area of desperate need for any community organisation, and so he did that because he knew the Lobby really needed it.
“Separate to that, he was involved in every single debate and discussion that happened about every rights issue that came along.
“He was involved in organising every rally and every community event. He was a prolific writer of letters and someone who got involved in every cause where he saw injustice.”
Southern Star chairman Daniel Bone spoke of a man with “a deep understanding and concern for not just the SSO, but the wider gay and lesbian community.”
“Henry was one of the ‘old guard’ of pioneering gay men, who was prepared to speak up about injustices and he put in countless hours to help improve the lives of all Australian gays and lesbians, without any expectation of thanks or public recognition,” Bone said. “Henry will be sadly missed, our thoughts are with his partner.”
Collier was survived by his partner C.K. His funeral service will be held at the Dubbo Memorial Gardens Crematorium on Thursday September 24, from 3pm.