Portrait of Sir David Martin

Theof

Sir David Martin

Apr 15, 1933
—
Aug 10, 1990

As a boy, Sir David grew up in Sydney and attended Scots College in Bellevue Hill.  He was a caring boy who enjoyed family life.  This love of family was later reflected in his life with his wife Susie and their three children.

Sir David’s father was a Commander in the Navy and from an early age David showed interest in following his father’s footsteps to a career in the Navy.  At 13 years of age, David joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Cadet Midshipman. He had a challenging and distinguished career which concluded with the rank of Rear Admiral, his final posting being Flag Officer Naval Support Command in Sydney.

Sir David became an officer of the Order of Australia in 1985 and was knighted in 1988, shortly before being appointed the Governor of New South Wales.

As Governor of New South Wales Sir David was chairman, trustee, patron and supporter of a range of community services and charitable organizations.  Through this work he was able to view first hand, the hardships that were being faced by many Australians.  In particular, Sir David was shocked by the number of young homeless and disadvantaged people who had no one who cared about them and their future.

It was this which led to the creation of the Sir David Martin Foundation - the first step in reaching Sir David’s dream of 'an Australian community where children can grow up with hope and understanding'. Just days before his death from the deadly effect of asbestos, Sir David created the Sir David Martin Foundation.  He had expected to play an active role but sadly he died just a few days later.  

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    Aug 10, 2010
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    Apr 15, 2011
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  • Logo of Sir David Martin Foundation
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    Sir David Martin Foundation

    Memories of Sir David Martin - From Rev. John Broadhead Emeritus Presbyterian Minister.

    My first indierct contact with Sir David was, when as Rear Admiral, he delivered the address at the Dawn Service in Martin Place on Anzac Day 1986. It was the first time I had attended the Service in a number of years. I had in January of that year become the Inducted Minister of St. Ives-Pymble.  I was very impressed with the address given and approached one of the Naval assistants to see if I could gain a copy of the address. This was forwarded to me and I had it published on the front page of our Church's order of service for the Sunday 4th May 1986. (As per below)

    Family is important;

    "How are we getting on with making Australia a good place to live? I would say pretty badly.We hear and read and see everyday about crime, drugs, unemployment, dishonesty in high places, violence. And we all complain about it. But we should not just blame the politicians or the police or the Church for not fixing everything up. After all, leadership starts with every parent. National unity starts with each family. National integrity starts with each person. The failure of any one person in the land weakens the whole community.

    I think it is time we had the sense to establish some standards and the courage to stick to them. For example, the family is the basis of our society; excellence is a respectible goal; profit is healthy; competition is vital; men and women are different from each other and we shouldn't kids ourselves they are the same. Success and reward are not dirty words; dishonesty and cheating are disgraceful, particularly if commited by people in high places"

    Then in October 1986, I was invited to be the Guest Preacher at St. Andrews Church, Grafton, where I ministered from 1971-78. It was the centenary year of the Church and the Service was the Annual Jacaranda Festival Service. Read Admiral Martin was the official Jacaranda Guest of Honor. After the Service he and I were offered to plant a tree each in one of the streets of Grafton. My wife took a photo of this tree planting and later sent  a copy of it to the Rear Admiral. His brief response of thanks gave the first initimation of a gentle sense of humour and graciousness. His response was : "seems like I've gone from habour to 'arbour".

    In July 1988 I was privileged to be elected Moderator of our Presbyterian Church in New South Wales. It was as such that my wife, Anne, and I attended the Swearing in Ceremony of Sir David as Governor of NSW in Parliament House, Sydney.

    On the occasion of the Queens birthdayin June 1989, we were invited to attend a function at Government House. The gracious informality of Sir David was again noted as he greeted us at the entrance with the words "Ah, its the Broadheads"

    Previous to this, on 14th May 1989, my wife and I were in attendance at the opening by Sir David of the Scots College, Sydney, Outdoor Education Program Building - Glengarry- in the Kangaroo Valley area.

    My Moderatorial year concluded on 26th June 1989. At the General Assembly meetings of our Church in Scots' Church, Sydney at that time. During the worship of the Opening Sederunt on Monday 26th June at 7.30pm. Again, his gracious informality showed itself, as I joined with other leaders of the Assembly to greet him and Lady Martin as they arrived at the Church. As I moved forward with the words "Welcome, Your Excellency" on my lips Sir David beat me by saying - "Hello, John."

    My successor as Moderator was the late Rev. Ernest Noble. It is custom of the Opening night of the Assembly to record a motion of Loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen. This is later delivered to the Governor at Government House by hte Moderator and one of the Chaplains. As the Govenor was present, Mr Noble stepped down to present it to Sir David. In his nervousness Mr. Noble addressed Sir David as "Your Majesty". This visit of Sir David was one of the rare visits by a Governor to the Assembly and has not occured since that date.

    In these occasions it was a pleasure to meet also with Lady Martin. I was not in the Cathedral for the Funeral Service of Sir David but was among the many who gathered outside the Cathedral to share in the sense of honouring a gracious and delightful leader among us.

    In my many years of Ministry it was a joy and a privilege to meet many well known people but I do treasure the memories of Sir David  

    October 7, 2009 at 7:01 AM Mark as offensive
  • Logo of Sir David Martin Foundation
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    Sir David Martin Foundation
    "We knew of Sir David Martin because of his distinguished Naval career, and as our governor. My late husband and I watched Sir David take his last salute on Television and were so touched by his courage and composure that when you had your first appeal we had no hesitation in supporting the charity that bears his name. I feel sure you will do whatever is necessary and wish you well" States a supporters of Sir David Martin Foundation.
    August 24, 2009 at 11:43 PM Mark as offensive
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    Sir David Martin Foundation
    "I have admiration for Sir David especially when he worked all tho very ill" says a Supporter of Sir David Martin Foundation
    August 24, 2009 at 11:40 PM Mark as offensive
  • Profile image of Jannine Jackson
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    Jannine Jackson

    Now, twenty years on from when Sir David set up the Sir David Martin Foundation we are conscious everyday of the vision he had to provide hope and opportunity to young people in crisis. Our team within the organisation try to emulate a great man’s values throughout the organisation. I have been fortunate as the head of the Foundation to meet many people who Sir David’s life has touched in such a memorable way. His courage, integrity and compassion are evident from the fondness that I have witnessed. Very rarely do you get to be a part of something great, or if you do, realise the importance of what you are doing. I consider myself lucky that I realise that the Foundation that Sir David set up so many years ago is living out his vision and saving young lives every day.

    This portal with provide the opportunity for others to share those stories of Sir David.

    August 24, 2009 at 5:03 AM Mark as offensive
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