Navy support for youth

Navy provides support for Triple Care Farm in the NSW town of Robertson.

The RAN continues to support Triple Care Farm, in Robertson, NSW, which offers disadvantaged youth the chance to get back on their feet.

Young people spend 3-6 months learning skills such as woodwork and metal work, landscaping and general farming skills prior to graduation.

Ninety per cent of all graduates move into jobs, apprenticeships or furthering their education.

The farm (established in 1989) is the Sir David Martin Foundation’s (SDMF) major funding project and without the ongoing support of the foundation the farm would not have been able to assist over 1000 young people over this period.

RADM Sir David Martin was determined during the last few months of his life back in 1990 to establish a foundation to help young Australians.

In addition to supporting the Triple Care Farm, the foundation supports the Creative Youth Initiatives in Surry Hills.

Many RAN ships and shore establishments including Kuttabul, Penguin, Melbourne, Albatross and Creswell have supported the SDMF over the years giving the foundation tens of thousands of dollars in donations.

Many sporting and other associations within and outside the Navy support the foundation, including the Navy Golf Association, the Naval Association of Australia, RANTEAA, the Sailors Leadership and Management Faculty, SAC, RANSA, DMO Sydney Social Club, Defence Maintenance Management, Australian Defence Credit Union Ltd and Defence Maritime Services.

Later in the year the Sir David Martin Foundation will be receiving proceeds from the National Naval Reunion being held in Sydney, August 1 – 8. For further information on the Sir David Martin Foundation see www.sdmf.com.au

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