Melbourne Poets Union is greatly saddened by the loss of their valued member Martin Downey. Martin was a long time member of MPU serving in the roles of Vice President and Roving Ambassador and always involved. He constantly promoted MPU, liaised between organisations and mentored many beginning and emerging poets. Although his influence extends beyond Victoria, Martin will be particularly missed by the Melbourne poetry community. Fortunately his memory will be preserved in the annual MPU Martin Downey Urban Realist Award a poetry prize which he instigated in 2002.