Foreward by Col Bailey

The possible continued existence of an extant thylacine population, particularly in South-Eastern Victoria, is clearly and graphically displayed in this well documented website. Murray McAllister and I have been corresponding for several years now in the course of our thylacine research, and I have been most impressed by his enthusiasm, dedication and staunch determination in seeking to collect sound and conclusive evidence of thylacine activity throughout the Gippsland area of Victoria. I am of the firm opinion that there is every possibility of conclusive proof eventually emerging that will, sooner or later put the issue beyond doubt that the thylacine or Tasmanian tiger has survived not only in Tasmania, but on mainland Australia as well. Thylacine researchers such as Murray McAllister are proving invaluable in their on-going research towards achieving this, and I wish him every success in the future.

Col Bailey

The Passing of Col Bailey

In March 2021 I made arrangements to catch up with Col at a Cafe in his home town of New Norfolk. We spent almost 2 hours together talking about everything thylacine.

Col had been in ill-health on and off for some time and this had in turn caused him to lose a lot of weight and to become frail. I was always in awe of Col along with his knowledge and experience of thylacines and the history surrounding their demise. Col has been a great mentor for me whilst I’ve been on my thylacine journey and I cherished our regular catch up phone calls that we had together. Sadly for Col, his wife Lexia was suffering ill health and passed away in late 2021. Col was to also to suffer the same fate and to pass away in early 2022.

The legacy that Col has left behind in his published books on the thylacine continues to keep the thylacine dream of its return alive. I just love all of his researched stories from “Tiger Tales” and the links that they have provided of the past and I have used much of his advice and his research during my own thylacine searches. Col was a true friend and confidante, I loved his guidance, knowledge support throughout our years together and I miss him dearly.

Murray McAllister