The Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives is saddened to pass on news of the death in an accident in WA on 18 November 2006 of Jeff Hayler - news that has only recently come to our attention.

Jeff was a contributor to the Australian gay movement in its earliest years. As an openly gay man he was elected to office in a student association in 1973 and became Vice-President of the Australian Union of Students in 1974.

He is remembered especially for his part in enlisting the support of the NSW Builders Labourers' Federation who initiated a building black ban at Menzies College, Macquarie University, on behalf of a fellow student who was expelled from a residential college at Macquarie University in 1973 when the student's homosexuality became known to the college dean. At the time it was thought to be a world first for active union support of a gay cause.

Jeff was a leading light in the homosexual caucus of AUS which successfully lobbied for resolutions that resulted in funding the first National Homosexual Conference in 1975 - a conference which shaped a good deal of gay and lesbian activism in the following decade, and in which Jeff took part.

After his move to Perth, Jeff became president of CAMP WA, and played important roles in gay advocacy there, including moves for decriminalisation of male homosexuality and the response to HIV/AIDS in WA, at a time when the syndrome didn't even have an agreed name.

In comments to ALGA, colleagues from the 70s and 80s remember Jeff as a man of integrity, who applied his impressive intellect to furthering the rights of gay people.

Jeff later moved into the horticultural industry in WA and his death has been recorded by colleagues there in terms that will ring true to those who knew him in other places - a brave and thoughtful leader and an energetic contributor - see tribute

ALGA would welcome mementos from people who would like Jeff's work in the gay movement to be remembered. These will be displayed at ALGA's next open day on Sunday afternoon 25 November at the Victorian AIDS Council training room - further details to follow closer to the event.

more info: www.alga.org.au | algarchives@hotmail.com