Community
5 August, 2026
Progressing Cobden pays tribute to treasurer
PROGRESSING Cobden has announced the resignation of treasurer Frank Martin, bringing to a close an extraordinary 29 years as an office-bearer with the organisation and its predecessor, the Cobden Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Martin and his wife Jocelyn moved to Cobden in 1995, and since then Mr Martin has become one of the district’s most respected and influential community volunteers.
Over nearly three decades, he has served in official roles including secretary and treasurer, but fellow committee members said his contribution extended far beyond titles.
“Frank has been the person who always rolled up his sleeves and got the job done,” Progressing Cobden president Misty Angus said.
“Whether it was a major project, a funding application, an event, or a financial challenge, the community knew it had someone reliable, knowledgeable and deeply committed in its corner.”
During his time with Progressing Cobden, Mr Martin played a key role in many of the organisation’s most significant initiatives, including the Spring Festival, Christmas events, fire relief fund-raisers, the Twenty20 Vision planning process, the Cobden Business Network, Lake Cobden improvements, the Cobden free camp and dump point, the Visitor Information Centre, Pioneer Park, Historical Society projects, shopping promotions, rail trail arbours, the Cobden Story project, banner posts along the median strip and the flag poles opposite the roadhouse.
He also made substantial contributions to numerous other local organisations, including Cobden Rotary, Cobdenhealth, Cobden Technical School and the Civic Hall.
While widely recognised for his careful stewardship of Progressing Cobden’s finances, Mr Martin is equally known for his exceptional success in preparing grant applications which have helped secure funding for countless community projects.
“His ability to identify opportunities and put together strong applications has brought enormous benefit to Cobden,” Ms Angus said.
“Many projects that residents now take for granted simply would not have happened without Frank’s persistence and expertise.”
Progressing Cobden formally recorded a minute of appreciation acknowledging Mr Martin had been not just a treasurer, but “the linchpin leading the parade – the glue, the inspiration and the person who never stopped at making sure the bills could be paid”.
Although stepping down from the treasurer’s role, Mr Martin is expected to remain actively involved in community activities, and the organisation said his experience and support will continue to be highly valued.
“It is impossible to measure the full impact of 29 years of service,” Ms Angus said.
“On behalf of Progressing Cobden and the wider community, we sincerely thank Frank for his dedication, leadership and generosity over so many years.”
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