Council & Business
9 October, 2023
Feedback sought on name change honouring the Martins
Working towards preserving the legacy of one of the town’s most beloved couples, Central Goldfields Shire councillors have approved a proposal that pays homage to Myra and Cyril Martin. At last month’s ordinary council meeting, the motion to...
Working towards preserving the legacy of one of the town’s most beloved couples, Central Goldfields Shire councillors have approved a proposal that pays homage to Myra and Cyril Martin.
At last month’s ordinary council meeting, the motion to name an open space in Whirrakee Rise after the Martins was unanimously approved and is now open for public consultation until October 20.
After receiving and adopting relevant feedback from the community, a section of the Quinn Reserve, located within the estate, could be named Cyril and Myra Martin Reserve — immortalising the pair and their contributions to Maryborough.
The late husband-wife duo recorded an extensive list of achievements after they moved to the town in the mid-1900s, many of which highlight their commitment towards uplifting the community.
From setting up Maryborough’s first motel in 1959 to helping revitalise the town after the war, Myra and Cyril worked together and individually to support all residents.
Starting the Martin School of Dance in 1943, Myra soon became known to most locals as an extraordinary dance teacher — a title she continued to hold for 74 years.
Apart from her dancing endeavors, Myra’s philanthropic efforts benefited many organisations including the Maryborough Toy Library, Maryborough Guides, Maryborough Education Centre, Maryborough Scouts, the local SES branch, the Maryborough Hospital, and Breast Cancer Network Australia, among others.
Cyril, a returned Royal Australian Air Force serviceman, was also an active member of the community.
He was involved in raising money for the RSL, held memberships in the local Rotary club and the Masonic Lodge, coached the Church of England Football Team to five premierships, and started the Maryborough and District Horse and Pony Club where he was president for 13 years.
Speaking at the meeting, Cr Geoff Lovett said it was important to recognise the wide-ranging efforts of the couple.
“The proposal to name the space Whirrakee Rise, Cyril and Myra Martin Reserve, if adopted will honor one of Maryborough’s most respected families,” he said.
“Both of Cyril’s businesses helped in Maryborough’s post-war recovery and reconstruction.
“Mrs Martin was a tireless community worker — for 50 years she trained debutantes and their partners for ball and for 30 years taught ballroom dancing to 404 students.
“I know this because I was one of them, that’s why I’m so light on my feet.
“[She] never sought a personal reward but her contribution was recognised with Senior Citizen of the year, a British Empire Medal [in 1975] and an Order of Australia Medal [in 1998].”
To have your say about the renaming proposal and to read more about Cyril and Myra Martin visit engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au