A Lifelong Commitment to the South Sydney Rabbitohs
Australian television icon Ray Martin has announced his retirement from the board of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, a position he has held with unwavering dedication for nearly two decades. Martin, a lifelong die-hard fan of the Bunnies, has been a Souths Board Director since 2006. His decision to step down marks the end of an era for the club, which has deeply valued his contributions. Nicholas Pappas, the Club Chairman, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the members, stating, "Few have contributed as much, and for so long, to the Rabbitohs as Ray Martin. In the most difficult of times, Ray pinned his hard-won media reputation to the fortunes of the Club and, in so doing, inspired thousands to follow his lead and join us in the fight for reinstatement." The club will organize a special event to pay tribute to Martin’s remarkable service later this year.
From Journalism to Sporting Legend
Ray Martin’s journey to becoming a beloved figure in Australian sports and media began in 1965 when he started his career at the ABC. His breakthrough came in the 1970s as one of the original reporters for Channel Nine’s 60 Minutes, where his warm and engaging on-air style quickly won him a dedicated following. Martin’s talents did not go unnoticed, and he went on to host the popular Midday Show on Nine from 1985 to 1993. His exceptional work ethic and commitment to storytelling earned him five Gold Logies, cementing his status as a national treasure. His first Gold Logie in 1987 was the beginning of a streak, winning the coveted award four years in a row from 1993 to 1996. Martin’s dramatic departure from Nine in 2008, due to budget cuts for the Sunday program, made headlines and solidified his reputation as a journalist who values quality over financial considerations.
A Home满 with Memories
Last month, Ray Martin and his wife Dianne made a significant financial decision by selling their family home in Waverton, a luxurious 1930s-era mansion, for a reported $8 million. The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property, known as Finisterre, was their home for 35 years. Martin and Dianne bought the mansion in 1990 for $900,000, and the sale reflects the substantial appreciation in Sydney’s property market over the decades. The decision to part with the house, filled with decades of memories, was not an easy one, but it marked a new chapter in their lives. The sale of Finisterre is a testament to Martin’s success and the value of long-term investments in the real estate market.
Embracing the Later Years with Grace
Despite his retirement from the Rabbitohs board and the sale of his family home, Ray Martin shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, he hosted "Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye," a series that delved into the often-taboo subject of death. The show explored various funeral trends, rituals, and the deep questions people ask when facing the end of life. Martin, who has been married to Dianne for fifty years, reflected on the statistical reality that he is only four years away from his own death. However, he remains optimistic and determined to make the most of his remaining years, inspired by the example of David Attenborough, who continues to work well into his 90s. Martin told Woman’s Day magazine, "I’m never going to retire. David Attenborough is in his 90s and he’s my role model. He says you’ve got to keep doing what you love."
A Work-Life Balance Reimagined
Looking back on his career, Martin admits that his former workaholic lifestyle prevented him from fully enjoying the important things in life. He reflected on his decade in New York as the ABC correspondent, where he worked tirelessly, often feeling regret for the experiences he missed. "I lived in New York for 10 years as the ABC correspondent and I worked eight days a week. Yet I think of all the things I didn’t do and should have done. You’ve got forever to sleep, you’ve got to have a go," he shared. As he grows older, Martin is more committed than ever to spending quality time with his children, Jenna and Luke, and his two grandchildren. His new approach to life emphasizes balance and the importance of cherishing every moment.
A Legacy of Dedication and Humility
Ray Martin’s legacy is one of dedication, humility, and unshakeable loyalty. His contributions to both media and sport have left an indelible mark on Australian culture. From his groundbreaking work as a journalist to his unwavering support for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Martin has always put his heart into everything he does. His retirement from the Rabbitohs board and the sale of his family home are significant milestones, but they do not signal an end. Instead, they represent transitions into new phases of a life well-lived. As he continues to pursue his passions and enjoy the company of loved ones, Ray Martin remains an inspiration to all who know him.
