Addiction is one of Australia’s most misunderstood health conditions.
Sir David Martin Foundation is proud to be affiliated with the Rethink Addiction campaign as a partner organisation to help change the conversation about addiction.
Rethink Addiction was established by Turning Point Addiction Treatment, Research and Education in 2020 and represents a coalition of like-minded organisations advocating for a change to Australia’s attitude and response to addiction.
The campaign strives to tackle the stigma and misinformation that stops people getting the help and support they need to recover and live free from addiction.
Changing the narrative on addiction
Sir David Martin General Manager Helen Connealy hopes the Rethink Addiction campaign will help change the narrative on addiction.
“There is so much stigma and misconception in the community about addiction, which is a very real barrier to many young people seeking treatment.
“Our Foundation is proud to be a partner organisation to the Rethink Addiction campaign and committed to de-stigmatise addiction in our community,” said Ms Connealy.
“Addiction is a health issue and we know that treatment works.
“Through the youth drug and alcohol programs our Foundation supports, we hear amazing stories of resilience and recovery every day. Sadly, due to the pervading stigma surrounding addiction, many people are still reluctant to hear these stories and have these discussions.
“Early access to best practice youth treatment services greatly improves the recovery prospects for young people. With the right support they can get well and build pathways to a healthy future.”
Get involved:
Sign the petition supporting the Rethink Addiction campaign’s objectives to:
- Establish treating addiction as a national priority;
- Convene a summit for meaningful knowledge exchange between addiction experts;
- Draft a national plan and roadmap to address addiction; and
- Establish a dedicated addiction research fund to improve treatment outcomes and service pathways.
You can learn more about the Rethink Addiction campaign at www.rethinkaddiction.org.au
Related links:
Blog: Can Addicted Australia help shift the stigma of addiction?
We are delighted to announce that our Foundation’s Youth Ambassador, Elli Reinhard is a finalist in this year’s 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards – NSW/ACT.
As a graduate of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, Elli is passionate about raising awareness and understanding about the complex issues surrounding youth drug and alcohol addiction and youth mental health.
Elli is currently in her first year of studying Forensic Science at University. She also volunteers as a Peer Educator, engaging with young people about alcohol and drug minimisation strategies and raising awareness on their effects on mental health.
Show your support
Please show your support for Elli by voting via https://awardsaustralia.app.do/nswyaa21.
Congratulations on your nomination Elli! Everyone at Sir David Martin Foundation is so proud of your determination, courage and continued achievements.
Elli’s story
Elli, 22, has a wide smile that can light up a room… and a zest for learning that’s infectious. But behind that smile lies a steely determination that’s helped this young woman overcome adversity and set a new course for her life.
“I had a very troubled childhood and I turned to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, I guess, to cope with the uncomfortable feelings I was experiencing,” said Elli.
“This escalated really quickly to the point where I had to make a choice about the trajectory I wanted my life to take… and for me… that choice was recovery!”
Elli has generously agreed to be our Youth Ambassador – sharing her experience and insights to help others.
Recovery journey
“I still consider myself to be in recovery,” said Elli.
“It’s a daily thing. I have professional help I can call on. But mostly I feel I have the tools and self-awareness to know when I need to check myself. When I feel myself struggling I have a few select family and friends I can talk to. But mostly I focus on exercise, eating well and things like journaling or art to stay on track.”
“For me structure and routine really help. Attending classes, studying and working out daily is really important and the prospect of going to university next year keeps me motivated and focussed.”
Elli says that part of recovery is making tough decisions.
“For example, I made a conscious decision to cut ties with many people I associated with before my recovery. And those conversations were very hard to have.”
“But the program teaches you about accountability and good choices – and that’s what’s working for me at the moment. I’m building a new life.”
More links
Read more about the Finalists in the Young Achiever Awards NSW/ACT
The Award winners will be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on Friday 30th April, 2021. Vote online via https://awardsaustralia.app.do/nswyaa21
The start of a new year always brings sensations of opportunity and hope – themes that are reflected in Sir David Martin Foundation’s summer edition of Impact.
Our family foundation’s ability to provide safety, hope and opportunity to young people in crisis is only possible due to the generosity of our donors. Thank you for your support – it is life changing!
We hope you enjoy reading all the latest news from Sir David Martin Foundation.
Sir David Martin Foundation Board Chair, Will Martin, has announced changes to the Board of Governors, farewelling longstanding Board Member David Adams and welcoming Paul Hennessy.
“It is with deep gratitude that we farewell longstanding Board Member David Adams, who resigned at the end of 2020,” said Will.
“David joined the Board of Governors in 2007, and played a vital role in guiding and informing our work throughout his time with us. His professionalism, corporate knowledge and business acumen have been incredibly valuable and our Foundation has truly benefitted from his expertise, which I think is reflected in the organisation’s growth and development.
“We thank David wholeheartedly and wish him all the very best for the future, knowing that he will remain a firm friend and passionate supporter.”
Will also welcomed Paul Hennessy (pictured above right) as the newest member of the Board of Governor’s.
Paul is Managing Director (Australia & New Zealand) of Capital Group and has over 33 years of investment industry experience. Prior to joining Capital, he was Head of Australian and New Zealand distribution for Macquarie Bank’s fund management division. Paul holds a Master’s Degree in Commerce from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor’s Degree of Economics from the University of Sydney.
“Paul has also been a long-time friend of my family and supporter of our philanthropic vision,” said Will.
“I am greatly looking forward to working alongside Paul, our Board and Foundation staff to continue our efforts to support young people in crisis.”
Read more about our Foundation’s Board of Governors and staff here
We are so incredibly proud of all the 2020 Graduates of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm.
While COVID forced this year’s Graduation ceremony online – the love, pride and admiration for these young people and their achievements certainly still shone through!
Sir David Martin Board Chair, Will Martin was amongst the speakers who congratulated the graduates during the ceremony. Will acknowledged their significant achievement in completing the program under such difficult circumstances.
“We know you’ve had to fight through a lot this year… illness, addiction, your insecurities and uncertainties, not to mention a global pandemic,” said Will.
“Just by turning up at Triple Care Farm you have shown more courage than most of us have to find in our lifetime…. and it’s this courage that I think will now make you stand out for the rest of your life and help you overcome any barrier or blockage that gets in the way of your future successes.”
Graduates also received heartfelt video messages of support from Mission Australian CEO, James Toomy, Lady Martin OAM and Area Manager Gabriella Holmes, as well as personal messages from the Triple Care Farm staff who guided them along the way.
You can watch this special video ceremony below and also via our You Tube channel here.
We hope this video stands as lasting tribute to the perseverance and hard work of these young people who are transforming their lives – and offers inspiration for others just starting their journeys.
Congratulations to the 2020 graduates, their loved ones and the dedicated Triple Care Farm team.
Special thank you also to our Foundation’s supporters. None of this would be possible without your continued generosity!
Watch the full 2020 graduation video below
Learn more about Triple Care Farm
You can more about Triple Care Farm, including details about the application process via Apply for Triple Care Farm – Sir David Martin Foundation
Why do young people become addicted to drugs and alcohol? Recent Triple Care Farm graduate, Hugo, has bravely shared his story for our Christmas Appeal.
He explains that his harmful drug use started as self-medication to combat his pain.
“The truth is, I have a mental illness,” said Hugo.
“I became addicted to drugs because I sought relief – any relief – from the crippling anxiety and depression that overcame me daily. Drugs were just a destructive band aid for my chronic mental health struggles.”
This is an incredibly honest insight from a young person on a life-changing journey to recovery.
Our Impact and Outcomes Report showed that 82% of young people who came through the Triple Care Farm program had experienced a mental illness and just over half had attempted to take their own life in the 12 months prior to entering treatment.
We also know that fear and stigma associated with mental illness prevents many young people from seeking help.
Hugo credits his counsellor at Triple Care Farm for helping him get to the core of his issues, identify his triggers and develop strategies to stay well in the community.
Aftercare makes a difference
Graduates often describe feelings of fear and anxiety at the prospect of leaving the safety of the farm and returning to their lives. Hugo was no different.
But that’s when our Aftercare program really makes a difference!
Aftercare provides each young person with six months of support from a dedicated Youth Worker after leaving the program. They assist with a smooth transition back into the community and towards pathways to education and employment.
As part of this support, the young person’s mental health is monitored, with referrals and guidance provided in times of crisis or need.
Now living back in the community, Hugo knows this support is invaluable.
Recovery is not a straight line, but with the support of his Aftercare youth worker, friends and family Hugo is working hard to put his life back on track and accept new opportunities that come his way.
Hugo, thank you so much for your generosity in sharing your story.
Read more about Hugo’s journey and how you can help other young people in crisis
Do you need help?
If this story brings up any uncomfortable feelings for you, please reach out for 24/7 crisis support via:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or
- Family Drug Support
Lady (Suzanne) Martin OAM has been honoured for her 30-year commitment to helping young people in crisis.
Lady Martin was presented with Lifetime Membership of Mission Australia by Chairman, Ken Dean, at the Annual General Meeting and formally acknowledged as Founding Governor of Sir David Martin Foundation.
Mr Dean said Lady Martin’s personal contribution was critical to the success of the partnership between the two organisations. He also thanked her for her leadership, friendship and outstanding service.
As the major philanthropic partner of Mission Australia, Sir David Martin Foundation has raised over $65M since 1990. This partnership has enabled a best practice model of treatment for young people with drug and alcohol addiction at Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm.
Thirty Years of Service
Lady Martin has been on the Sir David Martin Foundation Board since its inception in 1990 and has been the driving force behind the Foundation’s work to realise Sir David’s dream of safety, hope and opportunity for all vulnerable young Australians.
During his time as Governor of NSW, Sir David Martin witnessed many young people caught in the destructive world of drugs, alcohol, homelessness and abuse. Whenever he met them, he sought to encourage them to develop their undiscovered potential to better their lives. Sir David’s concern for young people in crisis lead to the creation of Sir David Martin Foundation, creating a lasting legacy of hope and support for over 3,000 young people and their families.
You can read more about Sir David Martin and Lady Martin’s early life, achievements, contribution to public office and lasting philanthropic legacy here
Congratulations Lady Martin – you continue to inspire us all in our mission to help young people in crisis.
Photo Caption: Sir David Martin Foundation Philanthropy Manager, Anna Beaumont pictured with Lady Martin receiving her Mission Australia Lifetime Membership.
It comes as no surprise that in a year characterised by disruption and uncertainty, stress and mental health issues are top of mind for young Australians.
Mission Australia’s 2020 Youth Survey reveals that young people aged between 15 to 19 years old have significant concerns relating to equity and discrimination, COVID-19, mental health, education and employment.
The report found that dealing with stress (43%) was the top personal concern identified by the 25,800 survey respondents, followed closely by mental health (34%) and body image (33%).
However, concerns about dealing with stress was more prevalent for girls, with more than double the proportion of females extremely/very concerned about coping with stress (56%) compared with 25% of males.
In a first for the Youth Survey, equity and discrimination was the top national issue for young people, rising from third place in 2019 (24.8%) to the number one spot in 2020 (40.2%) – an increase of more than 60 per cent since last year. COVID-19 (39%) and Mental Health (31%) ranked in second and third place.
When it comes to what young people value most in their lives, friendship topped the list (82.5%), followed by family relationships (78.9%) and school or study satisfaction (67.5%). Close to two thirds of respondents also placed a high value upon mental health (65.9%) and physical health (65.4%).
Sir David Martin Foundation General Manager Helen Connealy congratulated Mission Australia on the release of the 2020 Youth Survey.
“We care about the things that matter to young people and are proud to partner with Mission Australia who help those in need,” said Ms Connealy.
“Our Foundation has been providing care for youth in crisis for 30 years, and everything we do is informed by our core mission to offer safety, hope and opportunity for all young people.”
“Having access to real time insights into the opinions, worries and values of young people, especially at a time when they face great challenge and uncertainty, is invaluable to the Foundation and to the best practice models of care that we support.”
“To help young people get well and build recovery pathways to education and employment we need to first understand and approach their physical, mental and emotional health needs in a non-judgmental and authentic way.”
“Young people need access to youth-specific services and programs that address their needs and meet them where they are in their journey and overall development.”
Ms Connealy said that young people’s heightened awareness and understanding of issues relating to mental health was evident throughout the 2020 Youth Survey Report.
“Mental health is clearly an issue of concern for young people, and it’s particularly interesting to note that two-thirds of respondents said they place high value on mental health.
“Young people today are increasingly aware that many people experience mental illness, but also that treatment is there and it works.
“We know that the majority of young people seeking help for drug and alcohol addiction have underlying mental health conditions. So it’s encouraging to see mental health confirmed in this report as priority issue for young people – both in their own lives and in the lives of those around them.”
Mission Australia shares the results of the Youth Survey with governments, non-government organisations, schools and social commentators to inform the debate around the circumstances of young people in Australia and to support the development of policies, services and programs that have the needs of young people at their core.
Download the full Mission Australia 2020 Youth Survey Report and infographic:
The Martin family recently spoke to Highlife Magazine Southern Highlands about Sir David’s extraordinary life and legacy.
The special feature describes the establishment of the Foundation and explores how its enduring philanthropic support for Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm in Robertson is helping to save lives.
The article co-incided with the 30th Anniversary of Sir David’s death and the establishment of the Foundation in 1990.
You can read more about Sir David and the Martin Family here
Thank you Highlife Magazine Southern Highlands for showcasing our work and passion for helping vulnerable young Australians in crisis so beautifully.
Read the full article
Highlife magazine publishes 6 times a year and gives readers insider, authoritative, must-have information about the NSW Southern Highlands. Visit https://www.highlifemagazine.com.au
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