Leslie Massey
Mission Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) that has been offering support to Australians in need for over 160 years. The organisation is committed to good corporate governance and transparency and works to address issues such as homelessness, addiction, mental health, and disability. With funding from various sources, including government, corporate partners, and individual supporters, Mission Australia provides holistic support to empower individuals and communities to thrive. The organisation's research and publications also contribute to discussions on key social issues, influencing public policy and raising awareness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Registered charity | 89% of income went towards delivering services |
| Established in 1859 | Receives funding from federal, state, and local governments |
| Provides support for people with alcohol and drug issues | Receives funding from rent, fees, and fundraising |
| Offers housing support | Receives funding from corporate partners and philanthropic foundations |
| Addresses mental health issues | Receives funding from individual supporters |
| Supports people with disabilities | Aims to make the most of every dollar received |
| Undertakes research and publications | Surpluses are put into services with limited funds or held in trust |
| Influences public policy | Does not rely on a single income source |
| Values: respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance, and celebration | Maximises funds going directly towards helping people in need |
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What You'll Learn
Mission Australia's founding purpose and values
Mission Australia is a charitable organisation with a long history of serving Australians in need. Founded in 1859, the group has remained true to its founding purpose of providing direct relief to those facing poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability or helplessness.
The charity's work is guided by its core values, which include respect, compassion, integrity, perseverance and celebration. These values underpin all of Mission Australia's activities as it seeks to address the root causes of homelessness and disadvantage through safe, affordable housing and evidence-based support services.
The organisation's Christian ethos is central to its founding purpose, inspired by the words: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me… just as you did to one of the least of these… you did it to me." This ethos is reflected in the group's commitment to standing with Australians in need until they can stand for themselves, regardless of denomination or any other distinction.
Mission Australia's work is focused on providing holistic support to vulnerable Australians, including those facing homelessness, mental health issues, substance dependencies and disability. The group also seeks to influence public policy and raise awareness of key social issues through research and publications. With a commitment to good corporate governance and transparency, the organisation strives to make the most of every dollar it receives from its diverse funding sources, which include government grants, corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and individual supporters.
Overall, Mission Australia remains dedicated to its founding purpose of meeting human need and creating a better future for all Australians. Through its values-driven approach and comprehensive range of services, the organisation strives to empower individuals and communities to thrive, ensuring that no one is defined by their circumstances.
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Funding and financial performance
Mission Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The organisation is committed to good corporate governance and transparency in line with the ACNC Governance Standards, its contractual commitments, and stakeholder expectations. Each Mission Australia Group company applies the ACNC Governance Standards and is guided by the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations established by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Council.
The charity's funding comes from a range of sources, including government, corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and individual supporters. The majority of Mission Australia's services are government-funded, with contributions from federal, state, and local bodies. The funding required for specific services is determined at the beginning of each financial year. To secure government funding, Mission Australia engages in rigorous and competitive tender processes to run programs that benefit communities. The services are run like small businesses, with profit and loss statements submitted to the funding body.
Despite government funding, there are still gaps in funding for some services and back-office roles that support community workers and enable the organisation to plan ahead. To fill these gaps, Mission Australia relies on the support of generous members of the community and the corporate sector. Surpluses are put into services with limited funds or are held in trust to ensure the longevity of the program. Mission Australia's structure ensures that it does not rely on a single income source and can add value to government-funded services by maximising the use of existing resources, knowledge, and partnerships.
The charity also receives income from rent, fees, and fundraising. Individuals and groups can support Mission Australia through activities or challenges that help raise funds for vulnerable Australians. Additionally, funding the construction of Mission Australia Centres provides essential community infrastructure to support those in need.
In 2024, 89% of Mission Australia's income went towards delivering services to support Australians in need to move towards independence. The organisation works hard to ensure that every dollar received is maximised and put towards helping people in need.
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Services offered, including homelessness and addiction support
Mission Australia is a charity that has been offering support to Australians in need for over 160 years. The organisation specialises in several areas, including homelessness and housing, families and children, early learning, youth, employment and skills, alcohol and other drugs, disability, mental health, and strengthening communities.
Services Offered
Mission Australia provides crisis and transitional accommodation, as well as social and affordable housing. They have established Mission Australia Housing, a Tier 1 community housing provider, and also operate in several states, including Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. In 2022-23, they assisted 26,240 people through 73 homelessness services.
Homelessness Support
The charity works to prevent and address homelessness through various initiatives. They offer homelessness crisis and prevention services, and their Missionbeat homelessness outreach service has been patrolling city streets and supporting the homeless and intoxicated since 1979. This service primarily focuses on long-term rough sleepers. They also have Youthbeat services, supporting vulnerable young people on the streets in Tasmania and Perth, with plans to expand to the Northern Territory.
Addiction Support
Mission Australia offers holistic support to people affected by alcohol and drug issues. Their programs aim to help individuals overcome dependency and address the underlying factors that led to their addiction. In 2022-23, they assisted 6,021 people through 35 alcohol and other drug services.
Other Services
In addition to homelessness and addiction support, Mission Australia provides a range of other services. They assist struggling families and children, address mental health issues, support people with disabilities, and help people gain employment. They also work to influence public policy relating to homelessness and disadvantage and raise awareness about social issues.
The organisation is committed to good corporate governance and transparency and ensures that funds are used efficiently to help those in need.
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Governance and transparency
Mission Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The organisation is committed to good corporate governance and transparency, adhering to the ACNC Governance Standards, contractual commitments, and stakeholder expectations.
Each Mission Australia Group company applies the ACNC Governance Standards, with the Mission Australia Board holding overall responsibility for financial performance and the achievement of its founding purpose. The Board also oversees the determination and implementation of policies and processes that reflect good corporate governance, guided by the Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations established by the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Corporate Governance Council.
Mission Australia's funding comes from various sources, including government, corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and individual supporters. The organisation engages in rigorous and competitive tender processes to secure government funding, and its services are run like small businesses, with profit and loss statements submitted to the funding body. Surpluses are directed towards underfunded services or held in trust to ensure the longevity of the programs.
Mission Australia prioritises transparency in its financial management, as evidenced by its Annual and Financial Reports. These reports provide detailed information on how the organisation utilises its funds to support Australians in need. In 2024, 89% of Mission Australia's income was dedicated to delivering services that promote independence among vulnerable individuals.
The organisation's commitment to good governance is further demonstrated through its adherence to the National Community Housing Standards and compliance with the National Performance Standards. Additionally, Mission Australia's Enterprise Risk and Assurance framework assists in meeting its strategic objectives.
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History and development
Mission Australia is a national Christian charity that has been an integral part of Australia's social fabric for more than 160 years. It was officially established in 1996, bringing together several city missions across the country. However, its roots go back much further, with its earliest origins traced to 1854 with the founding of Melbourne City Mission, and later, in 1862, with the establishment of Sydney City Mission.
The organisation specialises in various areas, including homelessness and housing, families and children, early learning, youth, employment and skills, substance abuse, disability, mental health, and strengthening communities. Mission Australia aims to reduce homelessness and help people and communities in need thrive. They provide crisis and prevention services, social and affordable housing, assistance to struggling families and children, mental health support, substance dependency services, and support for people with disabilities.
The history of Mission Australia can be traced back to the Colporteur Society (1869), later known as the Brisbane Town and Country Mission, which responded to community needs for food, clothing, and housing. Over the years, various city missions were established independently, including Adelaide City Mission (1867), Perth City Mission (founded as Jesus People Welfare Services in 1974), Wollongong City Mission, and Wagga Wagga City Mission.
In 1996, Mission Australia was formed by merging Adelaide City Mission, Hunter Mission, Perth City Mission, Sydney City Mission, Wollongong City Mission, and Wagga Wagga City Mission. Brisbane City Mission joined soon after in 1998. The organisation expanded with the opening of state offices in the Northern Territory, Tasmania, and Victoria. In 2008, Mission Australia Housing was established, further solidifying their commitment to providing safe and affordable housing.
Today, Mission Australia continues to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable people and communities across Australia, offering hope and creating lasting change. They work towards reducing homelessness, strengthening communities, and empowering individuals to overcome their challenges and reach their full potential.
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Frequently asked questions
Mission Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). It was established in 1859 with the charitable purpose of providing direct relief to people in Australia facing poverty, sickness, suffering, distress, misfortune, disability or helplessness.
Mission Australia offers holistic support to disadvantaged Australians. This includes helping people find safe and affordable housing, assisting struggling families and children, tackling substance dependencies, and supporting people with mental illness and disabilities. The organisation also works to influence public policy relating to homelessness and raise awareness and support for key social issues.
Mission Australia is funded through a variety of sources, including government, corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and individual supporters. The majority of its services are government-funded, but not all. Surpluses are put into services with limited funds or held in trust to ensure the longevity of the program.
Mission Australia is committed to good corporate governance and transparency. It works hard to ensure that it makes the most of every dollar it receives, maximising the funds that go directly towards helping people in need. In 2024, 89% of Mission Australia's income went towards delivering services supporting Australians in need.
