Our story

Sir David Martin Foundation is a family foundation, created in 1990 to help young Australians in crisis.

sir david martin black and white photo smiling

Who we are

With a dream of “safety, hope and opportunity for all young Australians”, the late Governor of New South Wales, Sir David Martin, created Sir David Martin Foundation to help youth in crisis.

Lady Martin and the Martin family continue Sir David Martin’s legacy through the Foundation to this day.

As the major philanthropic partner of Mission Australia, the Foundation has raised over $65M since 1990. This partnership has enabled best practice model of treatment for young people with drug and alcohol addiction.

The Foundation is the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, a unique, holistic treatment centre which each year gives over 200 vulnerable young Australians, aged 16-24, a safe place to get well and prepare for new opportunities.

The program is accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards and features three core components:

Residential Withdrawal (2-4 weeks)
Residential Rehabilitation (12 weeks)
Aftercare (6 months)

Impact

On young people

(based on Withdrawal program, six months after graduating)

Lifesaving: Over 3,000 young people’s lives saved with zero lost lives
Safe housing: 100% in stable housing
Empowered to independence: 83% engaged in education and employment, and others actively seeking
Rebuilt self-esteem with 87% reduction in chronic drug and alcohol use

On society

Participation in the programs keep vulnerable young people out of hospital and jail
Every $1 donated by our supporters creates $3 worth of social value
Treatment works, empowering vulnerable young people to find a healthy, productive life