Obituary: Eva Collins 1922-2025

September 2, 2025

Highly respected Cherbourg matriarch Eva Collins died at age 102 on Saturday, just months short of her 103rd birthday.

Nan Eva was brought to Cherbourg from Charleville in 1932 when she was just nine years old, without her mother’s consent.

After leaving school at a young age, she was sent to work at Cherbourg Hospital.

Later she worked in the babies’ quarters before being appointed in charge of the Girls Dormitory at Cherbourg, a role she held for many years.

Nan Eva was also a foundation member of the first Cherbourg Community Council, which was appointed by the State Government in May 1966, and was one of the first JPs in Cherbourg.

In 1979, she was awarded an Imperial Service Medal by the Federal Government with the citation: “Queensland Aboriginal Affairs – Dormitory Supervisor”.

Nan Eva moved into the Ny-Ku Byun Elders Village in Cherbourg in 2006, where she spent the last years of her long life.

She remained an active participant in community events, especially the annual “Golden Oldies” get-together at Cherbourg Hall.

In 2023, she was honoured at Cherbourg’s NAIDOC Day event for her involvement with The Ration Shed.

Nan Eva celebrated her 100th birthday on Christmas Eve in 2023 with a large celebration at the Murgon Services Club.

Her legacy extends to five generations: mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and great-great-great grandmother.

She was the mother of seven children, including former Cherbourg Council CEO Warren Collins, now Council’s Corporate Services Manager.

Nan Eva’s funeral service will be held at the AIM Church in Ada Simpson Way, Cherbourg, from 10:30am on Friday, September 12 (viewing from 10:00am).

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations towards the AIM Church renovations be placed in envelopes which will be provided at the service.

  Cherbourg