Bernard (Bernie) Doherty exemplifies the "all round" approach of Australian Philately.  He has worked at Club, State, National, Regional and International levels. In organised philately he has been an "all rounder" at Club and State level, whilst working at the National level over a 13 year period, initially in Collector Youth Liaison, Publicity and subsequently in administration as President.

Bernie is one of a few people in organised philately that is based outside the capital cities.  He has had a relationship of over 29 years with the Newcastle Philatelic Society where he served in a range of positions including 22 years as Secretary (1980-2002).  Bernie was instrumental in organising Philatelic exhibitions in Newcastle in 1987, 1991, 1994, 1997 & 2003.  He also wrote a History of the society's first 75 years.

Bernie joined the NSW Stamp Council in 1990.  He was Vice President from 1990-1992 and Secretary from 1992-1995 and then as a committee member 1996 to the present.  He was able to steer the Council over a number of years.

Bernie's contributions to the Australian Philatelic Federation are many and varied.  In 1990 he re-established a presence from NSW after a break of many years. In later years he was able to get other NSW philatelists to serve on the Federation.  His emphasis on the Federation started in Adult and Youth Development.  Later he used his skills in journalism as Public Relations Officer and editor of APF News.  Less well known but just as important was his work in recording the policies of the APF into an accessible and user-friendly form.

Bernie also worked in an administrative capacity for two Sydney based Exhibitions.  As president of Sydney Centrepoint 95 he brought a National Philatelic Exhibition to Sydney after a long break.  He was also Commissioner General to Olymphilex 2000, a job that gave him experience at the international level.

Bernie has served as a judge and/ or state commissioner at most Australian Exhibitions since 1992.  These jobs are both physically and intellectually demanding.  He is always prepared to assist with such tasks as Frame assembly and mounting exhibits.

Bernie's collecting interests are wide. His Social Philately of Newcastle is renowned.  He has also written a postal history of Newcastle Post Office and developed a postal history exhibit on that topic.  In Traditional philately Bernie has concentrated on Postage Dues an area which others have shied away from.  He formed two major Postage Due collections, the first on the Australian Commonwealth and the second on South Africa.  Bernie's interest in Southern Africa also took him into the field of the Postal Cards of South Africa which from the early 1940's depicted a range of scenes.  Bernie also participated in each of the Challenge's organised by the APF.

For 10 years (1990-2000) he was editor of Stamp News.  This publication at the time was a good example of regional diversity.  Its Philatelic editor was based in Newcastle and the General Editor was in Dubbo and the production plant was first in Dubbo and later in Sydney.  During that time was also editor of APF News.

Bernie has always been ready to assist others in developing their interests in our hobby.  He has been associated with educational groups such as WEA (Workers Educational Association) and U3A (University of the Third Age).  At exhibitions he is always willing to speak to other exhibitors on how things may be improved.

Bernie's interest in computers took him to working with Hans Karman on the Showman Program which demonstrates how technology may assist exhibition organisers and be an aid to jury recording.

Bernie has shown that philately is throughout Australia and not just Capital city based.  He has taken our hobby to other areas with the hope that it would prosper.  Writing and other means of publicity has been one of his main tools. He has consistently worked with exhibitions.  Above all he has served Philately at a range of levels.

[ Source:  APF News, August 2004 ]