There is no doubt that there are many talented and high achieving people who have haled from or have called the Southern Highlands home.
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Talented artists, sportspeople, academics, musicians and more.
In fact, it is difficult to list all these high achievers, but here are a few names to create a better picture - Sir Donald Bradman, PL Travers, Geoff Harvey, Ben Quilty, Lauren Cheatle, Caleb Ewan, John waters, Leo Sayer, Jimmy Barnes, Noeline Brown - just to name a few.
The achievements of these people are well-reocgnised, documented and celebrated, and rightly so.
They have been outstanding in their respective fields, and in many cases have made huge personal contributions out of a love for this community, and their chosen field of expertise.
And then there are those amazing people within the Southern Highlands whose tireless efforts, generosity and commitment go virtually unrecognised, and rarely acknowledged, at a level that is deserved.
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That is why I was so thrilled to recently learn of the push to rename Centennial Oval after one of the region's cricketing stalwarts.
The Bowral Blues Cricket Club and supporters have launched a campaign to have their home ground oval named in honour of Brian Martin and his more-than 25 years of dedication to the sport in the Highlands.
Written support has come from far and wide including leaders at national, state and local levels.
Players who take to fields each summer have been particularly vocal, along with representative coaches and many parents of juniors from across the district.
The Greater Illawarra Cricket Zone and Cricket NSW have also given support.
Such backing is not surprising considering the contribution Brian Martin has made to the sport.
He has poured his blood, sweat and tears in to the sport of cricket in this region and more notably into the Bowral Blues Cricket Club. He didn't do it for payment or recognition, he did it out of dedication and belief, two qualities he has instilled in many others while playing the roles of player, coach, mentor, fundraiser, groundskeeper and jack of all trades.
He has selflessly guided national players such as Lauren Cheatle, Charlie Dummer and Dominic O'Shannassey in their formative years in the sport, along with being a powerful and patient influence to many other cricketers across the region.
In her letter of support for the proposal Lauren said "from when I was 10 years old, and for the next seven or eight years, Brian Martin gave me one-on-one coaching sessions many times per week. He did this for many of us."
Sydney First Grade player Charlie Dummer praised the idea in his letter of support saying "Brian has easily invested over 1000 hours of his time coaching me in the nets, helping me pursue my cricketing dream."
Meanwhile, former England Test player, one of the world's most prolific cricket coaches and Highlands resident Barry Knight, has also praised the initiative.
"I have watched Centennial Oval grow into a beautiful cricket ground," Barry said. "I still see Brian watering the ground and tidying up during the week. I have always thought of it as Brian Martin's ground and would find it strange if it was named after anyone else."
High praise indeed, and the accolades don't stop here. Nor does the commitment Brian has to his club, his community and his sport.
While often tributes such as this come posthumously it is not a requirement. David Wood Playing Fields at East Bowral quickly spring to mind. No doubt David continues to feel a sense of pride and appreciation for the honour bestowed upon him in recognition of his tireless work in the community.
And what about the Doug Walters Stand at Sydney Cricket Ground, named in recognition his for contribution to the sport of cricket and his country. It was opened in 1985. Although it was demolished in 2007, there is now a bar named after him in the Victor Trumper Stadium.
Doug Walters is still alive to appreciate the honours. In fact, he dropped in to the Highlands early this year as a guest at the Highlands District Cricket Association fundraising event, Table of Ten.
It is unfortunate that such tributes are not more often made while the namesake is still alive to appreciate the honour and truly realise how their contributions are valued.
People are inducted into sporting and music halls of fame, they are presented with Queen's honours, and Pulitzer and Archibald Prizes, to name a few great accolades given to people, all while they are (for the most part) still alive and able to appreciate the recognition.
The same should be possible when the recipient's moniker is used as a form of tribute, as is the case in the proposal to rename Centennial Oval in honour of Brian Martin.
This is a man who doesn't ask for praise or recognition, but he certainly deserves it.
Bowral Blues Cricket Club said there was still scope for people to provide written support for the proposal, ahead of the matter being formally submitted to Wingecarribee Shire Council for consideration.
Dated and signed letters and emails can be sent to Michael.Heinecke@norskeskog.com Correspondence can be addressed 'To Whom It May Concern'.
The next stage will be to get the proposal across the line with the council. Let's hope the powers-that-be recognise the value of Brian Martin's contribution to the sport of cricket and this community.
Hopefully one of the grounds listed for matches on the 2020/21 HDCA cricket draw will be Brian Martin Oval.