Mission Australia is a national Christian charity that provides a range of community services throughout Australia. It has its roots in the Brisbane sector of The British and Foreign Bible Society’s sub-committee, The Colporteur Society (1869), and Sydney City Mission (1862), but was only officially established in 1996, bringing together a number of city missions across the country. The organisation specialises in the areas of homelessness and housing, families and children, early learning, youth, employment and skills, substance abuse, disability, mental health, and strengthening communities. Sharon Callister has been CEO since March 2022.
History
Mission Australia traces its origins back to 1869 to the Colporteur Society, later known as Brisbane Town and Country Mission, which operated at a grassroots level to respond to need within the community for food, clothing, and housing.
On 11 July 1862, Englishman Benjamin Short established the Sydney City Mission, desiring to address the spiritual and physical needs of the city's inhabitants who were living in poverty. In a public meeting, Short presented his vision for Sydney City Mission: Short gained the support of many prominent citizens, including the likes of John Fairfax, and clergymen of almost every denomination. The motto "Need, Not Creed" emerged, with those present agreeing that a city as diverse as Sydney required a non-denominational City Mission.
Four missionaries were appointed in 1862 (two men and two women), with their main tasks including home visits, distributing Bibles, persuading alcoholics to turn sober, and encouraging parents to send their children to school and Sunday School.
Melbourne City Mission was founded in 1854, but is not part of Mission Australia.
Adelaide City Mission followed soon after in 1867, with a similar goal of addressing spiritual and physical need among the poor and disadvantaged in the city. For decades these and other missions met immediate needs, giving out food and clothing. As no government welfare or unemployment benefits existed, City Missions saved many families from starvation.
During the recession of 1890 and the Great Depression of the 1930s, many people in need sought help from City Missions. In the mid 20th century, City Missions shifted their collective focus towards finding long-term solutions to disadvantage.
In 1974 Perth City Mission, then known as Jesus People Welfare Services, was founded by Jeffrey J Hopp. In 1989, Mr Hopp resigned as president and CEO of the Jesus People Inc. and established his own company Awards Australia, the charity then went on to become Perth City Mission.
In 1989 Wollongong City Mission and Wagga Wagga City Mission were founded.
In 1991, Hunter Mission was established, building on community service programs provided by Mayfield Baptist Church.
In 1996, Mission Australia officially formed, bringing together Adelaide City Mission, Hunter Mission, Perth City Mission, Sydney City Mission, Wagga Wagga City Mission and Wollongong City Mission. Brisbane City Mission joined soon after in 1998.
In 2000, Mission Australia's Northern Territory and Tasmania state offices opened, followed by Victoria in 2002.
In 2008, Mission Australia Housing was established.
The following lists names of organisations that have merged and amalgamated over time to form Mission Australia: Adelaide City Mission, later known as Mission SA Canberra City Mission Hunter Mission Jesus People Welfare Services, later known as Perth City Mission Mission Australia Group Training and Mission Employment Mission Australia Limited Mission Australia Southern NSW NSW Country Services Sydney City Mission Town and Country Mission, later known as Brisbane City Mission Wagga Wagga City Mission Wollongong City Mission
Description
In 2021–22, Mission Australia employed approximately 2200 staff and 750 volunteers, and supported 147,913 children, young people, adults and elderly people across 465 programs and services. The organisation specialises in the areas of homelessness and housing, families and children, early learning, youth, employment and skills, alcohol and other drugs, disability, mental health, and strengthening communities. Sharon Callister became CEO in March 2022, succeeding James Toomey, who served as CEO from November 2017.
Services
Homelessness and housing
Mission Australia offers specialist support services that enable people to avoid and escape homelessness. It provides crisis and transitional accommodation, as well as social and affordable housing. In 2021–22, Mission Australia assisted 23,755 people through 78 homelessness services.