Annual Report NT 2023
WELCOME
I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering commitment and compassion of our staff and volunteers who continued to support individuals and families throughout the year. Through your efforts, we were able to make lasting differences in the lives of many individuals, helping them overcome adversity and thrive in their communities.
I express deep appreciation for our funders, donors, local communities, and organisations we collaborated with. Through these valuable relationships we were able to effectively meet the needs of individuals, families and communities.
Over the past year, Mission Australia provided support to an astounding 7,665 individuals in the Northern Territory. We witnessed the challenges faced by individuals and families as the rising cost of living took its toll. Our services saw increased demand, highlighting the crucial role we played in providing vital support to those who need it most. Our dedicated team rose to the challenge, ensuring our services remained accessible and effective.
With many wonderful achievements to celebrate over the year; some highlights included:
- Successful expansion of Employment Services with the rollout of the Transition to Work that linked young people with opportunities of employment, training and further education; and retaining oversight of the Disability Employment Services across Greater Darwin.
- Created an environment that attracted new services MA delivered in the NT including ForWhen.
- Strengthened the collaborative relationship with Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation and other key stakeholders including TeamHEALTH, 54 Reasons and CAAPS Aboriginal Corporation in the delivery of the Integrated Homelessness and Supported Accommodation Program to about 400 people residing at the Batten Road Facility.
Moving forward, we remain committed to working towards a brighter future, where everyone has access to safe and stable housing, and the opportunity to flourish.
Warm regards,
Together, we supported 7,665 Australians in NT on their journey towards independence last year.
Homelessness
3,539 people assisted
through 10 services
Housing
29 people assisted
through 1 service
Alcohol & other drugs
2,470 people assisted
through 3 services
Children & families
36 people assisted
through 1 service
Employment, education & training
613 people assisted
through 8 services
Financial wellbeing
707 people assisted
through 2 services
Mental health recovery
158 people assisted
through 5 services
Justice & corrections
113 people assisted
through 3 services
An Australia where all of us can have a safe home and thrive
In 2020, we launched Mission Australia’s 20-25 Strategy with a vision for an Australia where all of us have a safe home and can thrive. In the past year, we are proud of our progress in our four strategic focus areas. From the opening of two new Alcohol and Other Drugs facilities to our continued commitment to create strong, resilient and thriving communities, read more about our progress in FY23.
Our work in action
Ending homelessness
When Ben showed up at the Mission Australia Centre years ago, he was determined to turn his life around. Ben was welcomed by staff and connected to a dedicated case worker who supported Ben with accommodation, rehabilitation and connections to essential services to overcome his addiction and improve his mental health.
Supporting people in need to thrive
Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm combines medical care, counselling, education and recreation to help young people conquer drug and alcohol addiction. For young people like Emily, who face challenges to their mental wellbeing, Triple Care Farm provides an essential support network they need to overcome addiction and step towards independence.
Partnering to strengthen communities
Throughout the year, our team in Meekathara, WA, facilitate a place-based, community-led approach including coordinating capacity building activities and social cohesion events. Our Communities of Focus approach recognises that addressing local disadvantage starts with bringing people together through local decision making. From BBQs, sports activities to Family Fun Days, Mission Australia works with local Elders, community leaders and members, services, government agencies and businesses to increase community participation and control.
Thank you for making our work possible this year
Driving excellence
Our award-winning Impact Measurement Program helps us understand how our services improve the lives of our clients and the communities we serve. We measure our impact by asking the people we help questions about their wellbeing when they start a service and when they exit.
In the Northern Territory our impact measurement data shows that while they were engaged with or exited from our services, they were more satisfied with their personal wellbeing.
*Matched data collected from July 2022 to June 2023 (n=45) compared to Australian population normative range
1Deakin University and Australian Unity Limited. (2021). Australian Unity Wellbeing Index - Appendices 38. Subjective wellbeing in Australia during the second year of the pandemic. Geelong: Australian Centre on Quality of Life, School of Psychology, Deakin University
Policy & Advocacy
Mission Australia continued our research, policy and advocacy work to support people in need to thrive. We boldy advocated to the Federal and State/Territory Governments on issues of importance to Mission Australia and the people we serve.
We made policy submissions on a range of topics including homelessness, social and affordable housing, and youth. Across the state and nationally, we met with Ministers and senior government representatives on policy priorities for people in need and furthered our community collaborations to advocate together on key issues.
We continue to advocate strongly for further investment in social and affordable housing, actions to end homelessness, adequate income support and other policy priorities to support people in need to thrive.
Mission Australia stands together with Australians in need, until they can stand for themselves.
Financial summary
Our people
Our staff
Our volunteers
We thank our 1,092 selfless volunteers, who over the last financial year generously contributed over 27,000 hours in support of our staff and the people we serve.
Our leaders
Sharon Callister
GAICD, MBA, BHA, RN
Chief Executive Officer
Sally Ascroft
BEc, LLB, GAICD
General Counsel & Company Secretary
Andrew Sharkey
FCCA, CA
Executive, Finance and Technology
Ben Carblis
BA, MA, GAICD
Executive, Community Services
Chris Bratchford
MBA, LLB, GAICD
Executive, Housing and Property
Marion Bennett
BA (Hons), GAICD
Executive, Practice, Evidence and Impact
Phil Chapman
BSc, Grad Dipl Bus Ops Mgmt
Executive, Chaplaincy & Pastoral Care
Ben Williams
BTch, BSSc (Hons)
Executive, Corporate Services
Anne-Marie Baker
BA
Executive, Strategy and Engagement
Our Board
Ian Hammond
BA (Hons), FCPA, FCA, FAICD
President And Chair
Dr Robert Mitchell AM
LLB, MPhil, GradDipTax, GradDipTheol, MThSt, GradCertMin, PhD, FAICD
Independent Director
Debra Stirling
BA, GAICD
Independent Director
Michael Codling
BSc (Hons), FCA
Independent Director
Nancy Fox AM
BA, JD Law, FAICD
Independent Director
Elle Davidson
BTRP GradCert Indigenous Engagement GAICD MPIA
Independent Director
Joanna White
BCom MBA GAICD
Independent Director
Jacqueline Kelly
BA MBA (Advanced) MAICD AIST
Independent Director
More inspirational stories
Read about what we’ve been working on, our stance on important social issues and how you make a difference to vulnerable Australians' lives.