John Martin
College Principal, Youth Off The Streets
John has been the Acting Principal of EDEN College, The Lakes College and Craig Davis College at Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) since mid-2021.
In 2019 John became Deputy Principal (Wellbeing) for all YOTS schools. His role was to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the staff and students from The Illawarra up to the Central Coast, from West Sydney to the Inner West, the Inner City and South West Sydney. His role was also to support the students (and families) through their trauma and education as well as assisting staff to gain the proper training across all areas of the specialist education sector. In 2020 John received the Youth Off The Streets “Employee of the Year” award for his work across all schools and YOTS services promoting and implementing wellbeing initiatives.
From 2019-2021 John was the Deputy Chair of NISSA (National Independent Special Schools Association), a role that allowed him to advocate for alternative education on a national level. He is also a member of the Australian Association for Flexible and Inclusive Education (AAFIE).
In 2017, The Lakes College, with John as its School Manager, officially opened its door at the Blue Haven Community Centre. The same year, he was also listed in the 100 Most Influential People on the Central Coast and was the sole educator to be included.
In 2016 John was awarded The Youth Off The Streets “Shining Star Award” in recognition of his education work with disengaged youth in Western Sydney; for his efforts in working with members of the community on the NSW Central Coast during the initial stages of opening The Lakes College in Blue Haven; and for developing the ‘Cycle of Courage’ program with his colleague, Cath Harland. The program encourages disengaged youth to improve their physical and mental health by connecting with the local cycling community and participating in the annual Sydney to Surfers Charity ride. The cycle, hosted by Engadine Rotary in partnership with Youth Off The Streets, takes part over 7 days with 200 riders as they cycle a 950km journey from Hornsby to Surfer Paradise. It raises approximately $150-200k each year and has been running for nearly 25 years.
John lives on the Central Coast of NSW with his beautiful family and a kelpie that has too much energy.