Fallen Rebels rider David ‘Dirty’ Collins to be remembered in moving service

A beloved Rebels rider described as an old school gentleman who would do anything for anyone will be farewelled on Friday, after he died in a horror highway crash between Mackay and Proserpine.

David 'Dirty' Collins will be farewelled at a moving service on Friday, October 6. The 71-year-old Rebels member was killed after his motorbike and a vehicle collided on the Bruce Hwy at Yalboroo.

A beloved Rebels member lauded as an old school gentleman who would do anything for anyone will be farewelled on Friday, after his life was cut short in a terrible crash on the Bruce Highway north of Mackay.

David ‘Dirty’ Collins was a member of the Mackay Rebels Motorcycle Club and his riding brethren will celebrate his life with a last ride just before the service.

Mr Collins, 71, had been riding towards Townsville when his motorbike and a vehicle collided at Yalboroo on September 16, 2023.

He succumbed to his injuries and died on the way to Mackay Base Hospital.

The highway was partially closed for several hours as the Forensic Crash Unit investigated the scene.

David 'Dirty' Collins will be farewelled at a moving service on Friday, October 6.

It is alleged the driver of a blue Toyota Corolla travelling south had turned onto Cathu O’Connell River Rd in front of Mr Collins’ motorbike.

Police have since charged a 28-year-old New South Wales driver with driving without due care and attention causing death, and he faces a maximum penalty of 12 months jail, a fine of up to $11,500, and a minimum six months licence ban if convicted of the offence.

The 71-year-old Rebels member was killed after his motorbike and a vehicle collided on the Bruce Hwy at Yalboroo on September 16, 2023.

Relatives and friends will honour Mr Collins’ memory on October 6 at Newhaven Chapel with the service starting at noon.

The last ride will take place at 11.15am from the same address.

Mr Collins has been remembered as an old school gentleman and the type of person who would do anything for anyone. Photo: Contributed

Mr Collins’ friend Sian Carson said the Rebels member “died doing what he loved” as she comes to grips with the loss.

“I only saw him last weekend … it’s hard to believe. At least I got a hug in,” she told this publication for a tribute in the wake of his death.

The service will also be live streamed via the funeral home.

Mr Collins was the 14th road crash fatal victim for the Greater Whitsunday region, which extends from Bowen in the north to St Lawrence in the south and west to the Isaac region.

Since his death, the region has added another to the total after a 73-year-old Kuttabul man died when he was struck by his own vehicle towing a caravan in Mia Mia Forest on October 1.