From Parramatta to Premier

It is apt that Martin Place, like the man after whom it is named, progressed from humble beginnings to pre-eminence.

Such was the life of James Martin, who arrived in Sydney at the age of one with his Irish parents.

Over the next 65 years, he rose to be Premier of NSW on three occasions and finally to be the Chief Justice of NSW.

The motto he adopted gives an insight into his personality:

"AUT VIAM INVENIAM AUT FACIAM: If there is no way, make one."