Mission Australia

The 2024 Youth Survey results are in! 💬  Young people have spoken about what matters most — cost of living, climate, safety, mental health, friendships, housing, and more. See what’s on their minds! 

🔔 2024 Youth Survey released today! The voices of Australia’s young people – our future leaders and changemakers — are more important than ever.  Our 2024 Youth Survey report captures the experiences and perspectives of young people aged 15-19. They shared their views on the biggest issues facing Australia, their own personal challenges, and insights into their social connections, education, housing, financial situation and mental health, among other important areas. Young people’s top concerns include:  1. The cost-of-living crisis  2. Climate change and the environment  3. Violence, safety and crime  4. Mental health. Learn more about the lives of Australia’s young people. Download your copy👉 https://lnkd.in/guW6kkS

🚨 1 in 12 Australians struggle with ‘multiple deprivation.’ This means people are lacking two or more essentials—like a safe home, dental care or emergency savings—not because they don’t need them, but because they can’t afford them. The latest report by the Poverty and Inequality Partnership (ACOSS Australian Council of Social Service and UNSW) reveals the people most at risk of multiple deprivation: 👩👧 Sole parent families  💼 Out-of-work households   🌏 First Nations people  💳 Those relying on payments like JobSeeker, Disability Support Pension, and Youth Allowance  “Homelessness and poverty are closely linked… Now is the time for a long-term commitment to end homelessness and poverty in Australia.” - Sharon Callister, Mission Australia CEO.  Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gMiMnbxe  #povertyandinequality

  Together with our supporters, funders, partners, staff, and volunteers, we’re proud to have helped 162,520 Australians on their journey to independence in 2023-2024.    For 165 years, Mission Australia has been an integral part of Australia’s social fabric, creating lasting change by helping end homelessness and ensuring people and communities in need can thrive.     Last financial year, we opened our first Youth Foyer in Townsville, delivered nearly 400 social and affordable homes in Sydney’s Macquarie Park, acquired 250 social homes in Darwin, and established our fourth Community of Focus in Whyalla, South Australia.     Released today, our Annual Report 2024 celebrates key milestones and achievements over the last year: https://lnkd.in/gJH9kd7E

🎉 A big congratulations to our Mission Australia Housing team for receiving two awards at the 2024 PowerHousing Awards. 🏆 Our Housing Operations Leadership Team received the Team Leadership & Culture Award.  🏆 Our Midtown MacPark team were awarded the Modernisation of Built Form Development Award.   🏆 Congratulations also to Charoah Evans, runner up for the Outstanding Achievement Award. These awards recognise the amazing work of our Mission Australia Housing teams. Thanks team for the work you do every day to create positive change! PowerHousing Australia #powerhousingconference #unlockingthehousingchallenge

🌏 We've seen firsthand the increasing devastation of climate change impacts on people and communities, to their mental and physical health, homes, jobs, general quality of life and sadly loss of life.    Without fast, fair and inclusive action on climate change, these threats will continue to worsen. As countries begin announcing their proposed 2035 emission reduction targets at #COP29 in Baku, we’ve joined with over 40 other organisations calling on the government to do their fair share and aim to reduce emissions to net zero by 2035. Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gjRX8NjM 

Mission Australia is proud to be a lead supporter of Homelessness Australia’s new No-one turned away campaign and Call Unanswered report. The report highlights the reality services like ours are facing during Australia’s housing and homelessness emergency, with more than 3 million people at risk of homelessness. ☎ It found 83% of services can’t answer calls, and 40% are forced to close doors due to overwhelming demand.   🆘 Every hour, 3,000 Australians ask for help from services like those provided by Mission Australia (AIHW 2023). 📈 Our frontline staff say the housing situation is the worst they’ve seen, leading to a 26% increase in demand for our services in just three years.  We’re committed to supporting many people as possible and helping them find safe, secure and affordable homes. Our approach works, with most people at risk of homelessness staying safely housed when they seek our help. However, the need for social and affordable housing still outstrips supply, leaving too many people without a home and reaching out to homelessness services for help.   Despite these challenges, we want to help everyone. We don’t want to turn anyone away. With Homelessness Australia and our sector colleagues, we call on Federal and State governments to help #endhomelessness by:  🤝 Providing the support people need to avoid or quickly escape homelessness  🏡 Providing rapid access to safe affordable homes  💰 Increasing income support so people can afford their rent Join the campaign: https://lnkd.in/gV6NEenC #NoOneTurnedAway #MissionAustralia 

🍴 Exciting times in our kitchens! We're thrilled to join the Maggie Beer Foundation's Trainer Mentor Program across our three aged care facilities. Over the next year, our teams will craft chef-inspired menus, adding flavour, nutrition, and zest to residents’ meals.    Chef Amanda from the Maggie Beer Foundation spent the week with our kitchen staff at Charles Chambers Court.     Residents got to feast their eyes and taste buds on new creations like potato croquettes with parmesan and lemon, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, and delectable desserts like peach Melba and blueberry mousse!      #AgedCare #AgedCareNutrition #TrainerMentorProgram    * The Trainer Mentor Program pairs aged care home kitchen teams with a qualified chef trainer who will mentor your team to serve flavourful, nutritious food an for residents in aged care homes. The program is designed and delivered by the Maggie Beer Foundation. * Charles Chambers Court is an accredited residential aged care facility in Surry Hills, NSW, catering to 60 men and women who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or financial disadvantage.

Mission Australia has joined others in calling for a National Housing and Homelessness Plan to be legislated to #endhomelessness in Australia. We are deeply disappointed by the Senate Committee’s majority report against the Bill, missing a key chance to ensure government accountability for addressing Australia’s housing and homelessness emergency and supporting people who are vulnerable. The Government must act now with a legislated National Housing and Homelessness Plan that delivers: 🏠 1 million new social and affordable homes in the next 20 years to meet future demand.  💡 A $500 million Homelessness Prevention Transformation Fund to stop people becoming homeless in the first place.  To end homelessness in Australia, the Plan should be legislated, include adequate funding, clear goals and strong accountability.  #EndHomelessness #BuildMoreSocialHousing #RaiseTheRate #Budget2025 #Auspol  Read more in Mission Australia’s submission: https://lnkd.in/gjCwYYnZ 

“I know what it’s like to face life’s biggest obstacles,” Julian says. “If my story can give even one person hope, that’s a win.” – Julian. As a defensive tackle for the Cairns Falcons, Julian Viston is a force on the field - able to take on multiple opponents at once.  But his journey to becoming this imposing player was hard-won. Just a few years ago, Julian was battling severe mental health challenges and losing his sight due to a degenerative eye condition, feeling like he’d hit rock bottom. With support from the National Disability Insurance Agency and Mission Australia, Julian took charge of his life, building both his body and mind. He doubled his deadlift strength, conquered the Cairns half marathon, and earned his certification in support work.  Now, as chair of the Action for Change Access and Inclusion Group, he’s tackling his biggest challenge yet: ensuring communities become more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities.