Collins, Ronald (1918 - 1989 )

Ronald Collins was born in Townsville and grew up at Kirrama Station at Cardwell.

He was an Anglican priest in Australia, and briefly in England, was married and had three children.

He reportedly became interested in growing orchids after attending the Chelsea Flower Show in England.

After retiring to Atherton in 1963 he was President of the Atherton Orchid Society and is commemorated by the society with the Ron Collins Memorial Trophy for Best Species Orchid. But he is best known in orchid circles for his many exploratory trips to Cape York.

Ron had a large bushhouse in his backyard and a keen interest in growing species.

Source: Extracted from: Lawson, Sheryl (2017) 'What's in a Name? Reverend Ronald Collins', The Orchadian, Vol 18, No.11, March 2017
Portrait Photo: Bill Lavarack, extracted from p.517: 'What's in a Name? Reverend Ronald Collins', The Orchadian, Vol 18, No.11, March 2017