Collier was born in Collingwood and attended St Phillip’s Church in Hoddle Street, where he started singing in the choir at the age of ten. He attended Victoria Park state school and began his working life as a porter with the Victorian Railways at the age of 15.

He soon began competing in the various singing competitions that proliferated at the time, including the famous South Street competitions in Ballarat. Often on the same platform was a young soprano from St Kilda named Elsy Treweek, so it seems a reasonable guess that this is how they met. They married at St Phillip’s with, fittingly, a full choral service, then held a reception and dance at the Collingwood Town Hall. According to Punch, the young couple were going to make their home at Bulimba in Heidelberg Road Clifton Hill, but this house is yet to be identified. However both Collier’s childhood homes are extant.

After their marriage Frederick and Elsy featured regularly in concerts, sometimes singing duets. From 1921 Collier joined the British National Opera Company and would continue working overseas until 1934. Elsy had minor roles with the Company and Elva also sang professionally. 

121 Easey Street

87 Turner Street

The Argus; The Age; Punch; The Mercury
ADB Collier Frederick

SLV: as Luke in Pierrette