Australian television royalty Ray Martin made a surprise visit to O’Briens Hotel, Narooma on Friday night impressing all the punters with his friendly personality.
Publicans Paul and Angie O’Brien said the renowned journalist was “lovely” and took time to speak everyone who wanted a word with him and took photos with many of his fans.
“He even spoke to someone’s mum on the phone who was a big fan,” Mrs O’Brien said.
Publican Paul O’Brien said the visit was a total surprise, although Mr Martin does apparently have family in the region and so was here for family and work reasons.
“He stopped in for some of our great oysters and tooth-cracking cold beer,” Mr O’Brien said.
Apparently Ray Martin was on his way down to the Bega area for another one of his regional television specials for Prime7, this time looking at dangerous country roads.
His previous special for Prime7, Dark Secrets: Australia’s Hidden Shame, tackled domestic violence in regional Australia.
Narooma local Joe Azzopardi had a nice chat with Ray Martin and posted this on his Facebook: "So look who was in my local pub tonight best journalist in Australia so great to meet Ray Martin meat tray and all only in Australia!"
Meanwhile Ray also stopped in at the Bega Devils Football Club’s presentation night the following night on Saturday, while the team celebrated their premiership-winning soccer season at the Grand Hotel in Bega.
Stan Gorton
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
