John Becomes a Freeman
Singleton Councillor John Martin OAM finished a function in his honour last week with his neck a little stiff.
For three hours he wore a shiny, new and extremely rare medal hanging from a blue and gold neck ribbon, an item of honour he wore for the very first time.
The medal was presented to Cr Martin by Singleton Mayor Sue Moore after he was made a Freeman of the Shire at a civic reception last week.
Cr Martin became the fifth person in Singleton’s history to receive this highest civic honour in recognition of his outstanding and exemplary contribution to the Singleton district.
Cr Martin’s contribution to the community includes life membership of the State Emergency Service, 50 years as a councillor and as the area’s first popularly elected mayor.
He received the honour 12 months ago but due to covid, the civic reception to celebrate was delayed until now.
“It’s a pleasure and a privilege to present the Freeman of the Shire Medal to John, and I’m glad we could all come together to pay him the homage he deserves,” Cr Moore said.
“With more than 60 years as a servant of our community, particularly in local government and with the SES, his dedication and expertise in a range of fields, from flooding and emergency response to his representation of mining-related councils, is unparalleled.
Cr Martin said this was a particularly special accolade because it came from Council and the community.
“I am very humbled by this recognition. Back when it was first announced, I was really embarrassed. These kinds of things happen to other people – I never even thought that it would happen to me,” he said.
“I’ve known all the four previous recipients – they were all awarded while I was at Council. In fact, I presented the award to Major General Peter Cosgrove AM MC while I was Mayor.
“It means a lot to recognise the work that’s been done for the community, and not just by me, but others including all the councillors over the past 50 years.
“The fact of the matter is, I simply believe in working for the community and helping the community. My wife and I did this together, and this medal belongs just as much to her – it just happens to have my name on it.”