Brisbane park named in honour of late veteran

The park was name after RAAF veteran Richard Martin

His life of service and significant contribution to the community was recognised in an official renaming ceremony on Saturday 15 October.

The park, located next to the Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch – where Mr Martin was a Life Member, was named Richard Martin Place. Following Mr Martin’s passing in February in 2020, the Sub Branch initiated a petition to Brisbane City Council to rename the park after him.

Members of Mr Martin’s family joined Runcorn Ward Councillor Kim Marx, RSL South Eastern District President Kerry Gallagher, Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch President Hugh Polson and Sub Branch members to acknowledge Mr Martin’s decades of service.

 Runcorn Ward Councillor Kim Marx and Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch President Hugh Polson unveiled the park's new name

RSL South Eastern District President Kerry Gallagher AM said Mr Martin’s life service was well deserving of this community tribute.

“I think everyone would agree that it is very fitting that the park next to the Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch, where he served for more than 30 years, is being named after him, allowing the community to remember and honour him for years to come,” Mr Gallagher said.

Mr Martin served as Flight Sergeant with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II, flying in dangerous bombing raids over Europe as air gunner in the legendary Lancaster Bomber.

In 2005, Mr Martin received the RSL’s highest and most prestigious national award, the Meritorious Service Medal.

The Lancaster bomber mural

Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch President Hugh Polson said there was tremendous support for Mr Martin to be acknowledged as he was well known and well respected within the community.

“He was a distinguished local identity and a true gentleman. We were privileged that he was Assistant Treasurer of our Sub Branch for all those years and that he only retired months before he passed,” Mr Polson said.

The park also features a tribute to the RAAF, with a mural of the Avro Lancaster bomber commissioned by the Sunnybank RSL Sub Branch last year.

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