Sir James Martin statue finds a new home in bustling Parramatta Square

·

A statue commemorating one of Parramatta’s great lawmakers, and his achievements as one of NSW’s most influential premiers and justices, has found a new permanent home in the heart of the City of Parramatta. 

The bronze statue of Sir James Martin, unveiled in 2018, has been relocated from its temporary site on Smith Street, to a permanent new site at Parramatta Square. The new $2.7 billion square is now a bustling commercial hub and home to Council’s new $136 million community and civic centre, PHIVE. 

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Donna Davis joined NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Lysicrates Foundation co-founders John and Patricia Azarias to acknowledge the statue’s new home.

“Sir James Martin’s story resonates with the people of Parramatta. It is the story of a young migrant who took initiative and created opportunities to achieve more than he could ever have dreamed,” Cr Davis said. 

Sir James Martin immigrated from Ireland with his family in the 1820s, settling in Parramatta shortly after. He was raised in the servants’ quarters of Old Government House in Parramatta Park. It’s understood that during the 1830s the young boy, who would later grow up to become NSW Premier and a Chief Justice, would walk 20 kilometres from home to his school near Sydney’s Hyde Park. 

His passion for education thrusted him into the world of journalism, before becoming a barrister and politician. 

Sculptor Alan Sommerville immortalised Sir James Martin in a bronze statue, using his little-known connections with Parramatta as his inspiration. It was generously donated to the City of Parramatta by the not-for-profit philanthropic body, the Lysicrates Foundation. 

“It is incredibly fitting that the statue of Sir James Martin be positioned at the start of what will become the Civic Link, Council’s visionary green pedestrian link between Parramatta Square and Parramatta River, with the backdrop of our modern and vibrant CBD,” Cr Davis said. 

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said Sir James Martin’s story was inspiring. 

“James Martin’s story is one of steely determination and focus on the future that I believe can inspire a generation of young people,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“We can’t know where we’re going as a society unless we know where we’ve come from, and this statue is a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made for the prosperity we have today.” 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Pontoxeniteas NSW celebrates community, culture and generosity at 2025 Winter Wonderland

Celebration swept through The Grand Roxy on Saturday, May 31, as Pontoxeniteas NSW hosted its spectacular Winter Wonderland Gala 2025.

GCM prepares for AGM as Board elections and revenue outlook take centre stage

The Greek Community of Melbourne has officially announced that its Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, 15 June 2025.

Raptis sisters left devastated as SA music school faces second government acquisition

Koula and Mary Raptis are “devastated and heartbroken” after learning their music school, Allegro Music, is to be acquired by the government.

Jon Adgemis vacates luxury Sydney mansion amid legal battle over his mum’s home

Disgraced former KPMG dealmaker Jon Adgemis has vacated the $20,000-a-week Point Piper mansion dubbed the "Bang & Olufsen house."

Australian Hellenic Choir delivers a stirring musical journey at ‘A Portrait of Greece’ in Sydney

The Australian Hellenic Choir captivated a packed Sir John Clancy Auditorium at the University of New South Wales on Sunday, June 1.

You May Also Like

Wildfires wreck havoc across Greek villages

A total of 51 fires have broken out since daybreak, with the most serious being the one in Evia.

Former Sydney Olympic coach, Arthur ‘Archie’ Kazas, passes away

Arthur 'Archie' Kazas, a former First Grade Strength and Conditioning Coach at Sydney Olympic FC, has passed away today.

Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos welcomes funding commitment for Centre of Excellence

Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos has welcomed the government's funding commitment for Centre of Excellence at Kellyville Park.