I am saddened to pass on the news that Martin Hollander, secretary of the NSW Branch of the Australian Republic Movement, his wife Barabara and sons Berand and Matthew were trajically killed in the Whakaari/White island volcano eruption in NZ on Monday, 9 December 2019.
Martin was a fantastic contributor to the ARM, being the secretary of the NSW Branch since 2017. He was just recently elected again as secretary last month. He was a strong believer in an Australian republic, seeing the issue from a unique perspective with his wife and children born in the United States and having worked and lived overseas for many years.
I know many of you would have met
Martin at the various ARM events over the years. Martin's insights, warmth and depth of character was a tremendous asset to the campaign and a gift to all those who knew him. I think you would agree with
me that in addition to his contribution in trying to make Australia a republic,
he was also one of the nicest people you could meet, a genuinely great bloke.
Please see attached a short video in memory of Martin. The ARM had
the opportunity to sit down with him earlier this year to record a conversation
about his support for an Australian republic, and hear his story.
Vale Martin, Barbara, Berend and Matthew. You will be missed.
