Parramatta students take part in inaugural Martin Children’s Walk

·

Fifteen kids from five schools across Sydney today retraced the steps of one of Parramatta’s greatest success stories, Sir James Martin, walking from Parramatta Square to Sydney’s Martin Place.

The students – from Parramatta High School, Riverside Girls High School, Marsden High School, Sydney Secondary College Balmain, and Conservatorium High School – replicated the journey of Martin who in the 1830s used to walk from his home in Parramatta to Sydney so he could go to high school.

A penniless Irish boy, Martin went on to become Premier of NSW, Chief Justice and was a key architect of the country’s first system of public education. 

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber, who farewelled the group on their journey alongside Deputy Premier Prue Car and Opposition leader Mark Speakman, said James Martin’s story was a continued source of pride and inspiration for the City.

paramatta students
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Pierre Esber with students at Parramatta Square. Photo: Supplied.

“We should never forget that one of Sydney’s most recognised boulevards is named after a kid from Parramatta,” Cr Esber said.

“James Martin rose from the humblest of beginnings to the highest ranks of the State government – all because of his determination and love of learning, traits that are part of our City’s DNA.” 

Dr Patricia Azarias, co-founder of The Lysicrates Foundation which partnered with the NSW Department of Education to host the walk, said the event aimed to inspire a new generation of kids from Western Sydney. 

“Everyone needs a hero they can look up to,” Dr Azarias said.

“This is about every kid in Western Sydney realising they too can grow up to be Premier or Chief Justice and make their mark on the State or achieve whatever it is they want to do.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Literary memorial in Sydney honours the legacy of esteemed scholar Dr George Kanarakis

A literary memorial in honour of Greek academic and internationally renowned linguist of Australia, Dr George Kanarakis, was held on Tuesday.

Memorial service to be held in Sydney to honour the life of Chris Felemegas

A memorial service will be held in Sydney on Sunday, October 12, to honour the life of Chris Felemegas, a figure remembered for his warmth.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos meets Archbishop Makarios in Sydney

Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Hellenism Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, met with Archbishop Makarios of Australia on Tuesday.

Burra vintage shop faces criticism for $5 entry fee

The owner of Goosey Goosey Gander in Burra, Russell Skinner, has announced that the shop’s $5 entry fee will soon be donated.

Greek government donates €10,000 to support Greek Studies at University of Sydney

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos announced a €10,000 donation to the University of Sydney’s Department of Modern Greek Studies

You May Also Like

Young filmmakers showcase talent at Greek Student Film Festival in Sydney

Young filmmakers showcased their creative talents at the 11th Greek Student Film Festival in Sydney on Sunday, October 29.

Crime-solving techniques uncover Byzantine art mystery

Modern crime-solving methods have helped identify a leading Byzantine artist, Manuel Panselinos, long shrouded in mystery.

NSW Police officer Matthew Theoklis leaves behind three-year-old twin girls after tragic death

A NSW police officer who took his own life last month has been identified as father-of-two Sergeant Matthew Theoklis.