Tributes flow for one of our oldest WWII veterans
One of Australia's oldest surviving World War II veterans, Bert Collins has died. Aged 105, he was the oldest member of the Australian Labor Party.
Albert "Bert" Collins was due to celebrate his 106th birthday in March.
Tributes recognising and remembering the Bankstown local have been posted online following news of his death. "My friend Bert Collins passed away this morning," Blaxland MP Jason Clare said.
"Bert was the oldest member of the Australian Labor Party.
"He would have turned 106 next month. Rest in Peace old friend."
Sad news. My friend Bert Collins passed away this morning.
Bert was the oldest member of the @AustralianLabor Party.
He would have turned 106 next month. Rest In Peace old friend. pic.twitter.com/kN0Td8I2wz— Jason Clare MP (@JasonClareMP) February 13, 2022
The Labor Party also posted "Vale Bert Collins" on social media.
Mr Collins rose to the rank of a sergeant in the 52nd Australian Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment (AIF) based in Papua New Guinea.
The veteran's Anzac spirit has never wavered and was a quality admired by many.
"When I was a boy, my Mum instilled in me a very important lesson, which I've lived by my entire life," he told the Canterbury-Bankstown Council last year.
"She said I must remember to never be rude to anyone, to never tell lies and to always show respect towards others … and I have every day of my life."
Image: Nine News