- Home
- Hansard & Papers
- Legislative Assembly
- 30 November 2005
Tribute to Mr Lindsay Martin
Printing Tips |
Print selected text
| Full Day Hansard Transcript
« Prior Item |
Item 37 of 51
| Next Item »
Page: 20381
Mr BARRY COLLIER (Miranda) [5.40 p.m.]: It is with the deepest sorrow that I inform the House of the tragic death of Mr Lindsay Martin of Gymea on Wednesday 16 November. Sadly, a 21-year-old man has since been charged with Mr Martin's murder. Lindsay Martin was well known for his unselfish volunteer and advocacy work with local youths and seniors. His sudden death has left the Gymea community in a state of disbelief—shocked, angry, grieving and asking why. I do not recall where and when I first met Lindsay Martin, but it seems he was always there. Lindsay was always there, not for himself but for someone else—someone with a problem, someone less fortunate, someone who needed help. When he was not out there helping local youths and seniors, he was telephoning me or attending my office, drawing my attention to someone from Gymea who needed my help. So often these were the little people, people struggling with daily life who would not even think about approaching their local member of Parliament for help.
Lindsay was a great advocate for the people of his beloved Gymea. He worked as a volunteer at the Gymea Community Centre, he established a local senior men's group, and more recently he established the Gymea Residents Precinct Committee and got a newsletter up and running. At the time of his death, this 73-year-old pensioner was working to get Sutherland council to improve the footpaths in Gymea Village. Lindsay helped me collect signatures on a petition to help me persuade the Carr Government to install a lift at Gymea railway station. I know that Lindsay was so proud to be one of the first official passengers in that lift, together with the Minister and me. Lindsay believed in the dignity of human beings, a fair go for all, and equality of opportunity, and he fought to apply these principles when he could.
Gymea lies in the heart of my electorate. When I think of the people of Gymea, I cannot help but think of Lindsay Martin—a man who was caring, a man of compassion, a man with a heart as big as the suburb itself. These are my words, but members of the Gymea community have expressed their feelings, their thanks and their gratitude, and I believe their love, for this good Samaritan, Lindsay Martin, in their own words. Pat Armstrong, a local resident who often saw Lindsay carrying a senior's shopping bags, referred to him as "community man". Lindsay's neighbour, Kelli Price, knowing he was not well, told me, "Lindsay was selfless in his own pain." Gymea milko Peter Bray said he would often see Lindsay "up the shops chewing someone's ear, giving advice and listening to someone else's problem".
The President of the Gymea Community Aid and Information Service, Mrs Karen Mack, told the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader that Lindsay "embodied the spirit of the community and was just so giving …" She told the Daily Telegraph, "He would do anything for you … in fact, he is an icon in the area." The Gymea Community Centre has a condolence book for Lindsay. One entry reads, "Lindsay, you were a very special man who touched so many hearts." Another entry reads, "Thank you for your courtesy and your generosity of spirit." Yet another entry reads, "I will miss you. Thank you for everything you did for my son."
But one could not but be moved by the spontaneous outpouring of grief and sense of loss among the youth of Gymea. Lindsay helped many a troubled young person, acting as their mentor, and giving them advice and wise counsel. As 21-year-old Ben Thompson told the Sydney Morning Herald, "[Lindsay] was a kind, caring man. He would put himself out of pocket to help other people … I went through a rough patch in life and he helped me sort it out." On a wall in the park alongside the Gymea Community Centre local youths have expressed their grief and sorrow and their thoughts and thanks to Lindsay. At the top of the wall is the statement, "Lindsay, we know how much you don't like graffiti, but it's for you, mate. Luv ya." I shall never forget standing in that park reading the graffiti, holding back the tears, as I read the messages. One message reads, "We're gunna miss ya so much. You taught me right from wrong and you'll always, always be in my heart." Another message reads, "Thank you for caring for me in a time of need."
In the same park there is a tree stump. Local youth have placed a picture of Lindsay Martin on the stump as a kind of temporary memorial. Young Ben Thompson has begun a petition to Sutherland council seeking its permission to erect in the park he loved a permanent memorial or plaque recognising Lindsay's work on behalf of the community. I commend Ben Thompson for his commitment to the memory of his friend and mentor, Lindsay Martin. The last time I saw Lindsay he was selling raffle tickets for the Gymea Community Centre on a cold, wet day in Gymea and raising funds for the precinct committee. I have been to Gymea Village since Lindsay's passing. I have walked through the park, walked past the table outside William's shop at which he often sat, and caught the lift down to the platform where I often found Lindsay talking with the station master, Ben. But something is different; someone familiar is missing. As one entry in the condolence book records of Lindsay, "It won't be the same without you."
I extend my deepest sympathies to Lindsay's family and his many friends in the Gymea community. Lindsay, we are proud to have known you and we are privileged to have been able to count you as one of us. The last word belongs to the community. An entry recorded in the condolence book says it all, "Lindsay, we shall miss you. The world is in need of decent, compassionate human beings and you were a fine example."
Last modified 05/12/2007 16:31:30 : Update this page