David John Collyer has been actively involved in Australian and New South Wales philately for more than 25 years.

During this period he has served on the New South Wales Stamp Council since its inception and has similarly been a Project Officer for the Australian Philatelic Federation since its formation.  Currently he is also the Australian Philatelic Federation, National Philatelic Research Officer and, in this capacity, has provided assistance and information to all levels throughout Australia. He has also served long terms as librarian of the Philatelic Association of New South Wales (PHILAS) and, more recently, been their research officer.  In recognition of his services he was awarded the New South Wales Certificate of Merit in 1984 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 1987.

David’s collecting interests cover a wide area including commercial airmails 1929-1942, Australian Printed to Private Order (PTPO) envelopes, and Armed Forces postal history.  He has exhibited at many national and state level exhibitions and acted as a judge for both Literature and other classes.

He has also provided invaluable expertise on the organisation and management of philatelic exhibitions in his role as a member of the New South Wales State Exhibition Secretariat.

Another of David’s major contributions to philately has been his promotion of philatelic literature.  His Airgraphs and Australia and research articles relating to his subject have been awarded medals both nationally and internationally.  He has also co-authored several monographs with Richard Peck and edited and published the Australian Forces Mail Research Group Newsletter.  He has assisted many philatelists, from beginners to specialists, in research, and has always been willing to share his expertise. His contribution to the Australian Philatelic Federation as Project Officer (both Archives Officer and Publications Officer, concurrently) has been significant.

[ Source:  APF News, October 1996 ]