Local school students have been invited to put pen to paper to tell the true story of someone they admire or know who has, against all odds, become their own success story.
City of Parramatta, in partnership with the Lysicrates Foundation, launched the new writing competition in honour of the sixth premier of New South Wales and Parramatta local, Sir James Martin.
As part of the 'James Martin' In My World: A Treasury of True Stories of Struggle and Triumph competition, students in Years 7 and 8 have been asked to tell a story in 500 words or less about someone who they know has experienced a real-life struggle and later overcame that adversity.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said it's a great way to help young people build on their story telling skills, while honouring a Parramatta identity.
"Just like many Parramatta locals past and present, Sir James Martin was a passionate leader who never let an obstacle get in the way of success," Cr Zaiter said.
"We know there are plenty of stories about resilience and determination within our local area.
"As the son of migrants myself, I have seen unsung heroes make a life for themselves and others from very humble beginnings - whether that's opening, owning and operating a small business, serving the community by volunteering or achieving big dreams in sport or the arts - there are plenty of stories out there and I encourage students to think hard and get writing."
Lysicrates Foundation co-founder Dr Patricia Azarias said Sir James Martin's story is one that resonates with many others.
"Many families have a "James Martin"- someone who, just like that iconic Parramatta figure, has started out with few advantages but who has made a success of their life, whether in their own family, public life, education or in business," Dr Azarias said.
"We're inviting the kids of Parramatta to tell the story of the "James Martin" in their world - maybe a grandfather, a mother, a neighbour, a friend, someone who inspires them to reach for their dreams, and makes them believe that that is possible."
A book containing 30 selected stories will be published and launched at a special event on 14 August 2025 at Parramatta Square, held to coincide with the annual James Martin Children's Walk from Martin Place to Parramatta and the announcement of the winner of the Martin Lysicrates Prize.
This has been presented in partnership between the City of Parramatta and the Lysicrates Foundation, with the support of the NSW Department of Education, and with the involvement of Catholic Schools NSW and the Association of Independent Schools of NSW, facilitated by the NSW Education Standards Authority.
About Sir James Martin
Sir James Martin immigrated from Ireland with his family in the 1820s, settling in Parramatta shortly after. He was raised in the servants' quarters of Old Government House in Parramatta Park.
It's understood that during the 1830s the young boy, who would later grow up to become NSW Premier and a Chief Justice, would walk 20 kilometres from home to his school near Sydney's Hyde Park.
His passion for education thrusted him into the world of journalism, before becoming a barrister, politician and NSW Premier in 1863.
A bronze statue of Sir James Martin was unveiled in 2018 on Smith Street, Parramatta, before it was rehomed in 2022 at a permanent new site at Parramatta Square, located near PHIVE and the beginning of the City's future Civic Link project, connecting Parramatta Square to the Parramatta River.
