Whirrakee Rise open space to be renamed Cyril and Myra Martin Reserve

Published on 29 November 2023

Cyril and Myra Martin .JPG

Following a period of community consultation in September/October, the open space in Whirrakee Rise, Maryborough will be renamed Cyril and Myra Martin Reserve – following ratification by Councillors at an Ordinary Meeting of Council last night (28/11).

In accordance with section 10 of the Geographic Place Names Act 1998 and the Central Goldfields Council Place Naming Policy, the renaming will honour the achievements of Myra Martin (BEM, OAM) and Cyril Martin.

The highly respected couple made substantial contributions to Maryborough, instrumental in the construction of buildings and many other charities and community supports through their fundraising efforts, committee memberships and volunteer work.

Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor Geoff Lovett said it was pleasing to see the wide-ranging efforts of the couple recognised in such a significant way.

“This is due recognition for one of Maryborough’s most respected families.

“Both of Cyril’s businesses helped Maryborough’s post-war recovery and reconstruction. Mrs Martin was a tireless community worker – for 50 years she trained debutants and their partners and for 30 years taught ballroom dancing to 404 students – I know this because I was one of them!

“It is most fitting that the couple be bestowed with the honour of having the open space at Whirrakee Rise named in their honour.”

The renaming follows a request in 2021 by developer Mr Mark Dellavedova to name what is now known as Calista Drive to Martin Drive.  

The renaming was subsequently refused by the State Government due to the proximity of a duplicate name. The State Government was impressed by the submission of Council and suggested that the name be used for a geographic feature, such as a park or reserve.

On that basis it was proposed to name the open space in Whirrakee Rise as Cyril and Myra Martin Reserve. 

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the proposal. Community support for the renaming included:

  • After reading the information about Myra and Cyril, I think that the renaming of the reserve is an excellent idea. They made such a huge contribution to the local community.
  • This is such wonderful news. My great-grandmother Myra Martin was such an amazing lady, who I still look up to till this day. I followed in her footsteps and danced at the Martin school of dance for almost 10years. I loved spending time with my nan and hearing about her childhood and sharing stories about her side of the family. I’m very proud to be Myra’s great-granddaughter and I will cherish our memories forever. The re-naming proposal is such a wonderful idea, and it would suit Whirrakee Rise in honour of what Cyril and Myra done for this town of Maryborough.
  • What a wonderful way to honour such a community minded couple.
  • Definitely a wonderful idea. Very worthy recipients.
  • After reading their achievements in this article maybe their name should be added to something more substantial than a park. What a marvellous history from a couple that has given so much
  • A fabulous idea! A lovely memorial for two people who contributed so much to our community.
  • Well-deserved accolade for an exceptional couple
  • An excellent choice.
  • Absolutely brilliant an amazing couple that have contributed not only to the whole community but to the welfare of thousands of young people's lives. Through the value of music, dance & the arts. Their generosity lives on in their great granddaughter Kirby who continues with the Dance school. Music makes the world go round.
  • Lovely idea. Maybe shorten the name of it to C&M Martin Reserve. To honour them both; they both would have loved a place that can actually be used by kids or all ages.
  • This is an excellent proposal. It would also be great if something in the Town Hall building could be named after Mrs Martin to recognise the legacy of her dance teaching. Mrs Martin in particular had a profound impact upon my time in Maryborough as a child. Only later did I realise how many generations before me she had also inspired and supported. I danced under her tuition for years, taking part in many concerts as well as performances at the hospital that were solely for charity. Years after I had stopped dancing, she still remembered me and made an effort to ask questions about my life and how my education was going. She was a remarkable role model and taught me the value of kindness, empathy, respect for others, self-discipline and social justice. I hope that Mr and Mrs Martin are aptly recognised for the significant impact they have had on Maryborough.
  • Having spent the first forty years of my life, living and working in Maryborough, I wholeheartedly agree with the naming of the space to commemorate the Martins. Their dedication to community was outstanding. 

 

For more information, including additional background on Cyril and Myra Martin and their contribution to the community, visit www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/whirrakee

 

 

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