Who we are
Safety. Hope. Opportunity.
Martin Youth Foundation is built on a legacy of compassion and the belief that with the right support, all young people have the power to change their lives.
How the foundation began
The Foundation was established in honour of Sir David Martin after his passing in 1990. During his time as Governor of New South Wales, he saw the challenges facing vulnerable young people and wanted to create something that could make a lasting difference. Lady Martin then established the Foundation to continue that vision.
What we stand for
Vision
To give safety, hope and opportunity to vulnerable young Australians.
Mission
To help young people in crisis by enabling best practice models of treatment for youth drug and alcohol addiction.
Values
| Respect Compassion Generosity |
Impact Celebration |
A family legacy with a lasting purpose
For more than three decades, Sir David’s vision of safety, hope and opportunity for vulnerable young Australians has been realised by the tireless efforts of his wife, Lady Martin, and his children William, Anna and Sandy.
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Family foundation
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Long-term commitment
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Youth crisis support
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Treatment and recovery
Funding brighter futures for youth in crisis
35+
Years supporting young people with alcohol and drug dependence.
Over $80M
Raised to help young people start their recovery journeys.
3,800+
Supported to build safer futures and move towards greater independence.
Empowering young people for more than three decades
Martin Youth Foundation was established in 1990 in honour of the late Sir David Martin, the much-loved former NSW Governor whose vision and compassion shaped the organisation. As Sir David Martin Foundation, we began with a partnership with Sydney City Mission (now known as Mission Australia) to support young people living on the streets. Today, the Foundation is an independent and dedicated funder of youth addiction recovery, advocacy and best-practice care.
In 2026, Sir David Martin Foundation became Martin Youth Foundation. The change brings the young people we exist to support to the centre of our identity. Sir David’s own handwriting sits inside our new logo, keeping the family legacy at the heart of who we are.
Our patron
Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC
We are indebted to our patron, her Excellency Margaret Beazley AC KC, the 39th Governor of New South Wales. The Governor supports the work of Martin Youth Foundation through her deep commitment to education, youth leadership, human rights and social justice.
From legacy to action
The Foundation is the major funder of Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm, a youth-specific addiction treatment centre for young people aged 16 to 24. It also supports broader recovery, aftercare, research and advocacy work aimed at improving outcomes for young Australians in crisis.
Continuing Sir David Martin’s vision
The Martin family remains closely connected to the Foundation’s work. Lady Martin served on the Board from 1990 to 2024, and that legacy continues through a charitable trust led by a small team and overseen by a Board of Directors.
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