From Bourke to Barcelona – Gerry Collins’ incredible career

Former Byrock and Bourke teachers Gerry Collins and Ray Collins (left and centre front), with brother Chris Collins, family friend Greg Danvers, nephew James Collins, and brothers Justin Collins and John Collins – at Kidman Camp, Bourke. Photo TWH

Bourke hosted a visit last week by one of Australia’s most famous broadcasters, Gerry Collins.

The retired ABC sports commentator was in town as part of a fiftieth anniversary reunion, reliving the two years he spent at Byrock and Bourke before he launched his stellar media career.

For Gerry, those two years in the outback were unforgettable.

During his time as ABC sports broadcaster, Gerry became the voice of the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, calling some of the most significant events in Australia’s sporting history.

He was the man behind the microphone when the Wallabies won the Rugby World Cup, when Duncan Armstrong won gold in the pool in 1988 and when Kieran Perkins took home the gold medal in 1992 and during Perkins’ comeback in 1996.

In between those iconic sorting moments, Gerry Collins commentated on cricket, rugby league – and just about every other sport broadcast by the ABC.

Last week, he was back in Bourke with four of his five brothers to celebrate his 71st birthday.

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