Welcome to our WA Annual Report 2024
A message from our WA State Director, Sue Budalich
In the past year, Mission Australia reached over 19,343 individuals across Western Australia, stepping up as demand for support services surged. With the rising cost of living, housing instability, youth homelessness escalating, alarming rates of family and domestic violence, our teams worked hard to ensure help was always available, especially in remote and regional areas where options are scarce.
Through strategic partnerships and collaborations with funders, donors, local communities, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and community service organisations, we helped effectively address these critical issues. Our staff didn’t just meet the challenge — they delivered hope, connection, and practical assistance, reinforcing our commitment to building resilient futures for all West Australians.
With many wonderful achievements to celebrate over the year; some highlights include:
- Coordination of Zero Project in Geraldton, first WA location on its way to achieving functional zero homelessness for over 55s.
- Delivered Emergency Relief to individuals and families in Maddington, Pilbara, and MidWest Gascoyne regions affected by the cost-of-living crisis, responding to unprecedented need.
- NDIS Local Area Coordinators in Perth supported over 11,402 people with disabilities to live more independently.
- Partnered with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to ensure First Nations voices guide decision-making and services meet their needs.
- Staff completed Therapeutic Crisis Response training across Youth Residential services, focusing on trauma-informed care.
- Achieved accreditation for Meekatharra Mental Health Service and Drug and Alcohol Youth Service (DAYS).
- Launched Gambarra Urda transitional housing in Meekatharra, offering four units for families escaping unsafe housing situations.
Looking ahead, we're focused on building a future where everyone can access safe, stable housing and the chance to thrive in their communities.
Together, we supported 19,343 Australians in WA on their journey towards independence last year.
Alcohol & other drugs
725 people assisted
through 11 services
Children & families
286 people assisted
through 3 services
Family & domestic violence
603 people assisted
through 5 services
Mental health recovery
123 people assisted
through 2 services
Homelessness
865 people assisted
through 14 services
Community development
966 people assisted
through 3 services
Financial wellbeing
4,373 people assisted
through 6 services
NDIS
11,402 people assisted
through 3 services
Our work in focus
The Financial Year 2024 has seen fantastic progress in many areas of our organisation with significant progress made on our 20-25 Strategy.
Our commitment to reconciliation
Creating a culturally safe organisation is everyone’s responsibility from the Board to our frontline staff. I am proud of the work we continue to do in this space and look forward to further progress as we embark on our Stretch RAP next year and the implementation of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy.
“As organisations evolve in their reconciliation journey it is important to look beyond the RAP structure and consider the broader commitments that can affect change for communities. I am proud of our team for creating an overarching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy that encompasses all the great work we do and will guide us into deeper respect and stronger partnerships.”
Elle Davidson, Board member and proud Balanggarra woman from the East Kimberley
In 2024, we developed Mission Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy.
With invaluable input from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, particularly our Knowledge Group and our new identified National Manager of Cultural Strategy role, the Strategy articulates our vision to foster a strengths-based approach to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities to lead the work that affects them under four pillars;
- Culturally safe organisation
- Culturally appropriate service delivery
- Positive partnerships
- Courageous voice for systems change.
We also celebrated completing our second Innovate RAP where we developed a Cultural Safety Framework reflecting our commitment to fostering inclusive and culturally safe workplaces, services, housing and communities. We look forward to designing our Stretch RAP in the next financial year.
Financial summary
With gratitude
Thank you for making our work and this impact possible, for being by our side, and for helping us finish 2024 strong.
Our people
Our staff
Our volunteers
We thank our 1,113 selfless volunteers, who over the last financial year generously contributed over 41,525 hours in support of our staff and the people we serve.