Mission Australia

We’re delighted to welcome Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to our Melbourne social enterprise restaurant Charcoal Lane today! Watch the live feed to share their experience.

Mission Australia’s social enterprise Charcoal Lane in Fitzroy is a unique restaurant that offers a comprehensive training program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Our program engages more than 30 young people per year through educational pathways, connecting students to culture through native food, the local community, and one another. We aim to provide leadership and mentoring to help vulnerable young people achieve their potential and gain long-term ...independence.
On completing traineeships at the restaurant, young people are well prepared to move into careers in hospitality or other industries.
Our trainee support program is funded by proceeds from the restaurant and the generous donations of individual supporters, philanthropists and corporate partners.
To support the young people at Charcoal Lane, make a donation today at www.missionaustralia.com.au/donate
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More than 3 million people, including 739,000 children, are living below the relative poverty line in Australia, according to a new report from the Australian Council of Social Service.
That's 1 in 8 adults and more than 1 in 6 children, and many of them are living in "deep poverty", falling $135 below the poverty line on average.
In light of the findings, Mission Australia continues to call on government to better assist Australia's most vulnerable people, pushing for increases to grossly inadequate income support payments, a national plan to meet the critical shortage of affordable housing, and a long-term plan to end homelessness, among other vital changes.

It's just 10 weeks until Christmas, and volunteer nominations are now open for the 43rd annual Mission Australia Christmas Lunch in the Park!
If you're in Perth on Christmas Day, this is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage across the city.
Volunteer nominations close 28 October and positions always fill up fast, so be sure you register your interest today!

Have you been to Mission Australia’s social enterprise restaurant Charcoal Lane yet?
Located in trendy Fitzroy, Charcoal Lane is a unique restaurant that specialises in seasonal native flavours while also providing a comprehensive, accredited training program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who have experienced challenges on their journey to employment.
Perfect for foodies seeking vivid, original and locally sourced tastes and textures, Charcoal Lane’s ...diverse yet humble menu captures the flavours of Australia with creative confidence. The experience is made even better knowing that every dish helps our young trainees realise their potential and take steps towards long-term independence.
Head to www.charcoallane.com.au to book your next lunch or dinner out today!
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people report higher levels of concern about drugs and alcohol, bullying, discrimination, family conflict, personal safety, gambling, depression and suicide than their non-Indigenous peers.
Commenting on the findings in Mission Australia’s new National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Report, Professor Tom Calma AO says “it is clear that much more needs to be done if we are serious about ‘Closing the Gap’ for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.”
“As a national priority, we must push forward and do everything we can to invest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people so they can realise their full potential. We will be a richer nation for it."

Three times every week, John takes the train to the city to talk to the homeless people there.
John knows what it feels like to be in their shoes. Around 25 years ago, he spent 12 months homeless, sleeping on the street.
For John, his lifeline was the Mission Australia Centre in Surry Hills, then known as Sydney City Mission’s Campbell House.
... Today, he tries to give back in every way he can, and has even included Mission Australia in his Will to keep helping people after he’s gone.
John knows that homelessness can be a very lonely and isolating experience, but says that stopping to have a simple conversation with someone can be the high point of their day.
“Talk to them like you’d talk to anyone else,” is John’s advice. “Treat them with respect, have the right attitude, talk to them nicely. That’s how I do it.
“I can’t help with practical things, but I can have a chat. And I always pray for them.”
#WorldHomelessDay
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This month is Mental Health Month, and the theme this year is 'Share the Journey'.
Noel Wason, our chaplain in Far North Queensland, shared this reflection on mental health:
"Life is a journey for all of us, with highs and lows along the way. Many of us need support to live life in a healthy rhythm; a friend to talk to, the listening ear of a counsellor, a neighbour to have a cuppa with, friends to play with or a good GP to help us keep our bodies and minds healthy.
... This month, let's acknowledge that we are all on this journey together by reaching out to those around us managing mental health concerns and offering support in a way that they find helpful. Let's encourage them, stand with them, admire them and learn from their perseverance and courage.
And if this is you, be kind to yourself. Use this month as a reminder to take action to value yourself as highly as you value everyone around you and honour your mental health by taking steps to care for it in any way you need to."
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29
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Vulnerable Victorians will be able to travel for free on public transport thanks to a new state government trial.
It's hoped that by removing the threat of fare evasion fines, people experiencing homelessness and disadvantage will be better able to access vital support services, and children and young people from struggling families will be able to stay in school and not drop out.
What do you think of the new trial? Would you like to see it expanded to your state?

More than 116,000 Australians will be homeless this Christmas. Please donate today to help give families a safe and secure home for Christmas: missionaustralia.com.au/helpthischristmas

“I’ve spoken to homeless people who have said if you didn’t have a mental illness when you became homeless you certainly would shortly afterwards, because it’s just so destabilising.
“Having a secure and reliable place to live is a foundation from which so many other things can be built."
Our CEO James Toomey addresses Australia's growing homelessness crisis and stresses the importance of "rapidly rehousing" people to kick-start their journey towards independence.

Staff at our Cairns office have been gifted with 'kindness jars' by a group of young students from Yarrabah State School.
The students are part of the ‘DREAM Buyal Bandu’ girls group, a stream of Mission Australia’s Circles of Care program. (In the local Gunggandji language, 'buyal bandu' means 'strong together'.)
Circles of Care brings together a network of people who support children at school to achieve positive outcomes for their learning and wellbeing. The program operat...es at Yarrabah State School to support primary school-aged children and their families.
Each kindness jar contained handwritten message of positivity and happiness, bubbles and a slinky to remind the adults to have fun, a candle to help them chill out, origami wishing stars for good luck, and a survival pack of M&Ms.
Community Development Officer Leisa Garling took six girls on a road trip from Yarrabah to Cairns to personally deliver the jars to the Mission Australia team.
"It was a great opportunity to explain how the Yarrabah team have people supporting them in other offices,” Leisa said. “The girls were fascinated by the amount of people who work in the organisation and that each one of them supports the workers in Yarrabah, who then support them and their families.
"They had a great day and couldn't wait to tell the other girls and their families that you can actually get a job being kind to people!"
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Mission Australia’s Op Shops are so much more than just great places to find a bargain.
Every year our Op Shops provide work experience and training to more than 280 people seeking employment and provide community engagement to more than 300 volunteers.
Kieara is one of our fabulous employees who has gained valuable confidence and skills from her experience as a retail assistant intern at our Op Shop.
... “Before I started volunteering with Mission Australia I struggled to find work in a new area. I didn’t know anyone and I was feeling quite out of place. I approached Toni at Mission Australia and asked if I could volunteer. She was so welcoming and willing to give me a chance. I finally found something to give me a sense of purpose!
“For me there have been so many highlights: the incredible lifelong friends I have made, the joy of helping customers, the knowledge I have gained from this journey both in a personal and a business sense, and the incredible opportunities I have been given throughout. Then being offered a casual position to work with the most amazing group of people has been the greatest highlight for me.
“I see myself working long-term for Mission Australia. There is no greater place I could see myself working. This organisation helps thousands of people each year and I feel honoured to be just a small part of that. My goal at the moment is to complete my studies and gain my Certificate 4 in Leadership and Management.”
It’s so good having you as part of our team, Kieara.
Find your nearest Mission Australia Op Shop here: https://bit.ly/2P4oOoQ
#nationalopshopweek
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Staff from our Brighter Futures team in Goulburn recently got the chance to sit down with NSW Minister for Family and Community Services, Social Housing, and Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Pru Goward.
The team spoke about the vital work they’re doing with disadvantaged families in the region, sharing some of the challenges they encounter as well as the success stories.
Funded by the NSW Government, Brighter Futures provides support to families struggling with serious issues that impact on their ability to care for their children.

Today is International Day of Older Persons!
We recently celebrated the 100th birthday of one of our Annie Green Court residents in Redfern, NSW!
Annie Green Court is a 72-bed aged-care facility based in Redfern, Sydney for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness or financial or social disadvantage.
... Po Chun was born in Taishan, China and came to Australia with her son over 50 years ago to find a better life.
When asked what the secret to her long life is, she replied, "I am happy inside – I like to live a simple life and appreciate everything I have."
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Emmanuel* was born in Sierra Leone. He had a good childhood until his mother and father both died in an accident. Emmanuel and his younger sister were taken in by his uncle, and the three moved to Australia when Emmanuel was starting high school.
Emmanuel was neglected by his uncle. Despite being a tall boy, he was often given only a piece of bread with peanut butter for dinner.
At 17, Emmanuel knew he couldn’t stay any longer. A school teacher organised somewhere for him to ...stay temporarily before informing Mission Australia of his situation. Our staff found a room for him in crisis accommodation, where he stayed until he was ready to move into one of our transitional housing properties.
We supported Emmanuel as he completed his final year of secondary school, but his attempts to apply for university and many other things were complicated because he didn’t have his birth certificate. He wasn’t even really sure of his birth date.
After months of searching, Emmanuel’s case manager pulled off the impossible, tracking down his birth certificate in Sierra Leone! This made him eligible for all the things that were previously unavailable to him.
Emmanuel performed so well at school that he was offered a place in the university degree of his choice: robotics engineering. Emmanuel is loving university and was even nominated for an academic award. His future is looking bright as he takes steps towards independence every day.
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Brand-new wedding dresses from $50?! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
If you're a bride-to-be, you can't miss this exclusive bridal sale at our North Wollongong Op Shop, which starts today and ends on Monday.
Find the perfect never-been-worn designer dress, save thousands AND make a life-changing investment into the lives and futures of Australians in need, with every dollar raised supporting Mission Australia's vital programs and services around the country.
... What are you waiting for?!
North Wollongong Op Shop 71 Montague Street, North Wollongong, NSW 2500 Phone: 02 4228 7508 Operating hours: 9am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm Sat-Sun.
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Looking for a new travel adventure? If you answered yes, why not adventure for a great cause? Come join us and hike the Larapinta Trail to help young people in the Northern Territory!
We are so proud of last year’s group and the $70,000 they raised towards a new Missionbeat service, but we still need your help to hit our $150,000 goal. Sign up here today: https://bit.ly/2NYfMg3
Don’t wait too long – if you sign up between now and October 31, you can save $280 just for getting in early.