‘I’m never going to retire’: So why is this legend stepping away?
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Australian sporting institutions often have dedicated figures working tirelessly behind the scenes, shaping their legacy and future.
One such figure, a beloved icon both on and off the field, has decided to step away from a long-held position with a storied club.
His departure marks the end of an era—one defined by passion, loyalty, and unwavering commitment.
Legendary Australian journalist Ray Martin stepped down from the South Sydney Rabbitohs Board of Directors after nearly two decades of service.
The 80-year-old, who had been a passionate advocate for the club, joined the board in 2006 and played a key role in its journey over the years.
Club Chairman Nicholas Pappas praised Martin’s contributions, highlighting his dedication during the club’s most challenging times.
‘Few have contributed as much, and for so long, to the Rabbitohs as Ray Martin,’ Pappas said.
‘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 with us in the fight for reinstatement.’
‘I know that Ray will never be far from our side, but it is only fitting that I express on behalf of our Members our undying appreciation to Ray for his fortitude, his humility and his unshakeable loyalty to the Rabbitohs and everything our Club stands for.’
The club announced that an event would be held later in the year to honour Martin’s contributions.
Outside of his work with the Rabbitohs, Martin had also made headlines recently for selling his long-time family home on Sydney’s north shore.
He and his wife, Dianne, purchased the 1930s-era Waverton mansion, Finisterre, in 1990 for $900,000.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property was sold in early 2024 for between $8 million and $8.5 million.
Martin’s career in journalism began in 1965 when he joined the ABC, before becoming one of the original reporters for 60 Minutes in the 1970s.
He later hosted Midday on Channel Nine from 1985 to 1993, cementing his place as one of Australia’s most recognisable TV personalities.
Known for his warm on-air style, he won his first Gold Logie in 1987 before claiming the coveted award four years in a row between 1993 and 1996.
His long-standing relationship with Channel Nine ended in 2008 when he left following budget cuts to Sunday.
In 2024, he hosted Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye, a documentary series exploring the cultural taboos surrounding death.
Watch the trailer below.
Martin acknowledged that, statistically, he was only four years away from his own death and used the series to examine different funeral rituals and personal choices around final farewells.
Despite this reflection on mortality, he had previously stated he had no plans to slow down.
‘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,’ he said.
However, he admitted that his workaholic lifestyle had, at times, come at a cost.
He said: ‘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.’
Martin had since made spending time with his children, Jenna and Luke, and his two grandchildren a priority as he embraced a new chapter in life.
In a previous story, Ray Martin made a shocking health confession, revealing his thoughts on mortality.
His candid remarks offered a rare glimpse into his personal fears and reflections on aging.
Read more about his surprising revelation here.
After decades of shaping Australian media and sports, Ray Martin is stepping into a new chapter of life.
What do you think his greatest legacy will be? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
One such figure, a beloved icon both on and off the field, has decided to step away from a long-held position with a storied club.
His departure marks the end of an era—one defined by passion, loyalty, and unwavering commitment.
Legendary Australian journalist Ray Martin stepped down from the South Sydney Rabbitohs Board of Directors after nearly two decades of service.
The 80-year-old, who had been a passionate advocate for the club, joined the board in 2006 and played a key role in its journey over the years.
Club Chairman Nicholas Pappas praised Martin’s contributions, highlighting his dedication during the club’s most challenging times.
‘Few have contributed as much, and for so long, to the Rabbitohs as Ray Martin,’ Pappas said.
‘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 with us in the fight for reinstatement.’
‘I know that Ray will never be far from our side, but it is only fitting that I express on behalf of our Members our undying appreciation to Ray for his fortitude, his humility and his unshakeable loyalty to the Rabbitohs and everything our Club stands for.’
The club announced that an event would be held later in the year to honour Martin’s contributions.
Outside of his work with the Rabbitohs, Martin had also made headlines recently for selling his long-time family home on Sydney’s north shore.
He and his wife, Dianne, purchased the 1930s-era Waverton mansion, Finisterre, in 1990 for $900,000.
The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property was sold in early 2024 for between $8 million and $8.5 million.
Martin’s career in journalism began in 1965 when he joined the ABC, before becoming one of the original reporters for 60 Minutes in the 1970s.
He later hosted Midday on Channel Nine from 1985 to 1993, cementing his place as one of Australia’s most recognisable TV personalities.
Known for his warm on-air style, he won his first Gold Logie in 1987 before claiming the coveted award four years in a row between 1993 and 1996.
His long-standing relationship with Channel Nine ended in 2008 when he left following budget cuts to Sunday.
In 2024, he hosted Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye, a documentary series exploring the cultural taboos surrounding death.
Watch the trailer below.
Martin acknowledged that, statistically, he was only four years away from his own death and used the series to examine different funeral rituals and personal choices around final farewells.
Despite this reflection on mortality, he had previously stated he had no plans to slow down.
‘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,’ he said.
However, he admitted that his workaholic lifestyle had, at times, come at a cost.
He said: ‘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.’
Martin had since made spending time with his children, Jenna and Luke, and his two grandchildren a priority as he embraced a new chapter in life.
In a previous story, Ray Martin made a shocking health confession, revealing his thoughts on mortality.
His candid remarks offered a rare glimpse into his personal fears and reflections on aging.
Read more about his surprising revelation here.
After decades of shaping Australian media and sports, Ray Martin is stepping into a new chapter of life.
What do you think his greatest legacy will be? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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