We are honoured that our Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, the Governor of New South Wales, has shared this message of support to introduce Sir David Martin Foundation’s 2022-2023 Annual Report.
As Governor of New South Wales, Sir David Martin was deeply concerned about young people caught up in a spiral of drugs, alcohol, homelessness, and abuse, and advocated for their welfare. Since his passing and the establishment of the Foundation in 1990, more than $70 million has been raised to enable best practice treatment for youth drug and alcohol addiction, building a remarkable legacy of life changing and life-saving impact.
In 2020, I was asked by the Foundation to launch Evolve 2020, a research report commissioned to study best practice treatment for young people who are using drugs and alcohol and identify areas of unmet need and demand in treatment and programs. The report gave clear recommendations which have informed the Foundation’s strategy in the years since, including the launch of Youth Network which focusses on aftercare to support young people after treatment and assist engagement with education, employment, and community.
To understand the personal impact of the work of the Foundation, I’d encourage you to read the three personal stories that are included in this year’s annual report. One young person said of her time at Triple Care Farm: “It’s given me a chance at life that I never would have had otherwise, and it has truly changed the direction of my whole life.”
To Lady Martin, the Martin family, the Board of Governors, and staff and volunteers, past and present, I convey my heartfelt thanks to the Foundation’s partners, donors and supporters. Through your support we will continue to realise Sir David Martin’s vision of ‘providing safety, hope and opportunity to all vulnerable young Australians.’
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC
Governor of New South Wales
We thank Her Excellency for her support of young people in crisis, and for fostering a strong connection between the Foundation and the Governor’s office.
