It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to Barry Collins, OAM, who passed away peacefully in hospital on January 11, 2020. He was 86-years-old.

Barry was born in Randwick in 1934 and he was a long-time resident of Randwick City. An avid sportsman, Barry played first-grade rugby for Randwick. However, it was tennis and basketball that were his true passions. Barry pursued both as a player and administrator for many years.

Barry had a willingness and passion to work for his community and he served as a police officer from 1958 to 1972.  Thanks to an old girlfriend who liked gardening, Barry also took up the hobby. He joined the Orchid Society in 1962 and became the President of the Horticultural Society serving as a senior judge at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Barry never shied away from hard work and his commitment to serving the community was recognised by eight different life memberships to various organisations, including an OAM for services to agriculture and sport.

In 1964 Barry joined the Coogee RSL/ Coogee Diggers club. He served as the club’s welfare officer for many years and he was a long-serving board member.

At Council, we remember Barry for always being a voice for the community. He was well-respected, well-liked and he will be very much missed.

It is people like Barry who make a community special. Our thoughts are with Barry’s friends and family during this time.