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

How Maih Porfyri’s career pivot took her from fashion to the Paralympics

Maih Porfyri had only been in her job for a few months before she was whisked away on a trip to Paris to cover the Paralympic Games.

My partner doesn’t speak Greek – Can we still raise bilingual kids?

You can absolutely raise bilingual children, even if only one parent speaks Greek. Across the world, countless families do so successfully.

Joint bank accounts: Who gets the money?

All people named in a joint account are privy to the money by Law. Most of us have opened accounts at various bank branches.

Vergina considered among the world’s most mysterious destinations

Featured alongside global wonders, Vergina earns its place through a mystery that has eluded scholars for centuries.

Gender in Modern Greek: Dr Angeliki Alvanoudi to give online seminar

The aim of the seminar is to examine the role of Greek gendered terms in sustaining social gender ideologies that reinforce sexism.

You May Also Like

Jason Demetriou appointed Rabbitohs interim head coach after Bennett forced into isolation

Jason Demetriou will have a taste of the Rabbitohs head coaching role for two weeks after Wayne Bennet will be forced to undergo isolation.

Greek marquee signing Panagiotis Kone leaves Western United

Former Greek international and marquee A-League signing Panagiotis Kone has departed Western United FC, effective immediately.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis withdraw from Australian Open doubles

Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis, the reigning Australian Open men's doubles champions, have retired from their first-round match.