Tributes flow as South Burnett advocate, newsman Dafyd Kerri Martindale dies

From community leaders to the people he worked with, helped, befriended and loved, there has been an outpouring of grief and respect for a beloved storyteller who was the face of local news across the South Burnett for decades.

Tributes have flowed following the death of SOuth Burnett newsman and stalwart Dafyd Kerri Martindale.

Tributes have flowed across the Burnett and beyond for former newsman and community stalwart Dafyd Kerri Martindale following his death on September 4, 2024, aged 69.

Mr Martindale and his wife Anne Miller were the power force behind the digital news site southburnett.com, launching South Burnett Online in 2012.

But it was also Mr Martindale’s passion for his community and his willingness to help out when help was needed that made him beloved and respected by many.

South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff said via a post to social media that she was sad to hear of his death and that it was a huge loss for the region.

“Dafyd and Anne together have kept our region informed over many years with southburnettonline,” she said.

“Dafyd has been a friend, a leader, a community champion and a fierce advocate for our region.

“Sending love and prayers to Anne and family. May he rest in peace now knowing that he has made a mark and an incredible contribution. It has been a life well lived.”

Tributes have flowed across the Burnett and beyond for former newsman and community stalwart Dafyd Kerri Martindale following his death on September 4, 2024, aged 69. Photo: Contributed.

Nanango LNP MP Deb Frecklington thanked Mr Martindale for his service to the South Burnett.

“We will miss your smile and quick wit at so so many events,” she said.

“Anne our sincerest condolences for your loss. The South Burnett will be less with his passing. Rest in Peace.”

Former mayor and friend Keith Campbell posted of his “enormous respect” for Mr Martindale, and said his death was “a great loss for the South Burnett”. “Deepest condolences to Anne. I pray that the community will rally to show Anne how much he was appreciated for all that he did to build the integrity of the South Burnett and care for its history, culture and future. He will be well remembered. RIP Dafyd.”

The photo and post published online by southburnett.com.au.

Friend Ros Heit posted:

“A genuine and kind gentleman who will be sadly missed. A wonderful advocate for our region. You made a great positive effect on so many people and projects and I was proud to call you a friend. Rest in Peace Dafyd Martindale and condolences to Anne and his family and friends.”

Simon Stretton posted:

“Dafyd and Ann both helped me a lot when I first set up Durong Dingo Sanctuary, they gave me advice on how to set up a charity and they wrote many stories on my dingoes and the students I had here. Thank you Dafyd Martindale and also my condolences to you Ann.”

PRODUCE EVENING: Donna Antony, Megan Scott, Wendy Edgar, Shannon Scott, Dafyd Martindale at the Tingoora Hotel. Photo Katrina Scott / South Burnett Times

John Carey posted:

“Words!

“We use them every day to do life, and often without a lot of thought as to how they land in the mind of the hearer.

“Yesterday, a man who “knew a lot of words”, but more importantly, understood the power of words and how to put them together in a way that encouraged, reminded, stretched and urged the reader to seek a deeper understanding on an incredible range of topics, interests, history and much more, passed away. The South Burnett’s and the wider world’s loss.

“Dafyd Martindale you may have written your last words on your computer, but the words you have written over many many years are now gratefully written on our minds and in our memories to always value life in all its forms, and to stretch our minds to consider the other side of a story.”

Kimberly Dove posted in response: “Perfectly said JC. Dafyd was one of a kind, and the love he and Anne have for South Burnett storytelling can never be match. He will be greatly missed.”

Cherry Carroll posted:

“There was only one Dafyd and he will be very much missed. Always on the go but always found time to give a friendly greeting and have a chat. He and Anne have worked tirelessly to promote the district and support local people in so many ways. Sleep peacefully Dafyd.”

Rhonda Mackrell posted:

“An absolute gentleman, a true advocate for the South Burnett and many community organisations. He always had time for a chat and a laugh. Thank you for your unwavering support. We will miss you dear friend. Rest in peace.”

Elaine Madill said the the “thoughts and prayers of all the volunteers at the Wondai Regional Art Gallery are with you Anne and your family. Dafyd was a true gentleman who I was proud to call a friend. Peace be with you.”

Paul Heymans posted that Mr Martindale was a founder member and inaugural president of the South Burnett Rail Trail Users Association.

“We only met in person once, but we communicated often about the rail trails. He will be missed. I will miss him. “

South Burnett Rail Trail Facebook page made this post:

“Dafyd Martindale was the inaugural president of the South Burnett Rail Trail Users Association. He worked tirelessly to promote and support the rail trail and he used his considerable skills and enthusiasm to help many organisations and the region as a whole. Thank you and Rest in Peace dear Dafyd.”

Originally published as Tributes flow as South Burnett advocate, newsman Dafyd Kerri Martindale dies