Sir David Martin Foundation

Sir David Martin Foundation

Founded	1990 (1990)
Founder	Sir David Martin
Type	Charitable organisation
Registration no.	Australia: CN14142
Focus	Drug rehabilitation/training
Location	Sydney, Australia
Coordinates	33°52′41″S 151°12′42″E / 33.87806°S 151.21167°E / -33.87806; 151.21167
Area served	Australia
Slogan	Helping young people in crisis
Website	www.sdmf.org.au

Sir David Martin Foundation is an Australian charitable organisation that raises funds for young homeless and disadvantaged Australians suffering from substance abuse, mental illness, homelessness, family breakdown and juvenile crime.^[1] The foundation was established in 1990 by the late Governor of New South Wales, Sir David Martin, who wanted '"hope, safety, and opportunity for all young Australians".^[2] Since his passing, Sir David Martin’s wife, Lady Martin OAM has carried on the work of the Foundation as an ambassador and board member. Other ambassadors of the foundation include Caroline Pemberton and Andrew Lock.^[3][4][5] Currently, Sir David Martin Foundation (SDMF) funds four service programs that support young people in crisis.

History

The Foundation was set up by the then Governor of New South Wales, Sir David Martin, just four days prior to his untimely death.^[6][7] Sir David Martin Foundation was officially launched by The Duchess of York, Sarah Margaret at the Parliament House, Sydney in November 1990.^[7]

Programs

Triple Care Farm

Triple Care Farm is a three month residential rehabilitation program for disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 24 years that addresses the comorbidity of substance abuse and mental illness.^[8][9] The drug and alcohol treatment center, which is run by Mission Australia and primarily funded by Sir David Martin Foundation, is located in rural New South Wales 12 kilometers away from Robertson, NSW.^[10]

Participants take part in a holistic and individualized program, focused on overcoming their addictions while preparing them for re-integration into the community. Daily activities include academic learning, behavior therapy classes, life-skill lessons, as well as art, music and farming.^[10]

Triple Care Farm has received several awards including Excellence in Services for Young People at the National Drug and Alcohol Awards-2009 and the Excellence in Quality Award at the NSW Non Government Drug and Alcohol Awards-2014.^[11][12][13]

South West Youth Services

South West Youth Services provides education, employment, life skills and counselling support to marginalized young people aged 12 to 24 years in the South-western Sydney region. It is a preventative and early intervention service that aims to discourage young people from disengaging with education and falling into unemployment, homelessness or crime.^[14]

Creative Youth Initiative

Creative Youth Initiative is a service that provides free accredited music and art programs to young people aged 16-25 years who are facing many and varied challenges in their lives such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, family breakdown, unemployment and poor educational experiences.^[15] The program, located in Surry Hills, Sydney, uses self-expression and creativity as a tool to develop self esteem.

The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre

The Shopfront Youth Legal Centre is an award-winning free legal service for homeless and disadvantaged young people.^[16] The centre, which is located in Darlinghurst, Sydney, is a joint project of Mission Australia, Salvation Army and Herbert Smith Freehills which provides legal representation, social support, education and systemic advocacy for homeless and disadvantaged youth aged 25 and under.^[17]

Abseil for Youth

Abseil for Youth is Sir David Martin Foundation's major yearly fund raising event.^[18] The event was created in 2010 by SDMF to raise funds for Triple Care Farm while providing hundreds of people the opportunity to face their fears and do something new by abseiling down the side of an urban skyscraper.^[19] In October 2014, over 200 people abseiled down Investa Property Group’s 33 storey skyscraper in the Sydney central business district. Celebrities who have participated in the event over the years include Kylie Gillies, Todd McKenney, Dan Ilic, Jonathan Pease, Maz Compton from The Dan & Maz Show, Sally Pearson and Sam de Brito.^{[20][21][22][23]}

References