Equal parts honoured and “flabbergasted", Cathryn Martin, better known as Kay, said she did not expect to be a recipient of an Order of Australia (OAM) medal in this year’s Australia Day nods.
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The award was bestowed for Mrs Martin’s lifetime of service to her community.
Since moving to a property between Rydal and Wallerawang 54 years ago, Mrs Martin has dedicated herself to every cause that keeps a small community going. The list of organisations she has contributed to is formidable, from the Rydal Show Society (including Showgirl chaperone for many years), Country Women’s Association, the Red Shield Appeal, Village Association, Church Union, bush fire brigade and more.
Mrs Martin is notable for her dedication to the NSW Nationals. She received a life membership in 1994 as well as the the inaugural Hidden Treasures Award presented by the Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Women’s Network.
She said she remembered always having an interest and a passion for politics.
“I remember how excited I was when I turned 18, realising I would now have a vote,” she said.
“And that enthusiasm just followed through with me.”
When Mrs Martin and her husband John moved to Rydal, they were door-knocked by then Country Party field officer Stan Robinson.
They were looking to reinvigorate the branch – and had no idea the gem they would be getting in Mrs Martin. Her involvement and campaigning for the party has continued ever since and, while she has never been interested in running for a seat herself, she has served at the state and executive level.
Mrs Martin is currently one of the vice chairpeople of the Lithgow Nationals branch. She did not consider her volunteering to be anything extraordinary – certainly not worthy of an award. It was something that came naturally to her family, Mrs Martin said.
“We were all brought up to be involved, without realising it. It was not intentional.
“When we came to live in the area it was around the time of the Rydal Show and John and I, we had very small children who rode and were involved so it went from there.”
Mrs Martin said she looked forward to continuing her work with the community.
“I love a challenge and have had great satisfaction in most things I have done, some of which were very challenging,” she said.
“I have enjoyed all the things I have done and as long as I am still able to do them, and people want me to, I will continue to do so.”
Kirsty Horton
A journalist with 15 years of experience, Kirsty Horton has been the editor of the Lithgow Mercury newspaper and a journalist for mastheads including the Great Lakes Advocate, Nambucca Guardian News and Moree Champion. She is now a member of ACM's features and special publications team.
A journalist with 15 years of experience, Kirsty Horton has been the editor of the Lithgow Mercury newspaper and a journalist for mastheads including the Great Lakes Advocate, Nambucca Guardian News and Moree Champion. She is now a member of ACM's features and special publications team.
