Mission Australia

Mission Australia is a non-denominational, not for profit organisation that helps people in need.

Operating all around Australia and providing a wide range of services, Mission Australia tries to give people the skills and support they need to take their place within the community.

Mission Australia's Work
Mission Australia is primarily concerned with providing people with the tools they need to improve their lives.

Focusing more on long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes, all of Mission Australia’s work reflects their values of compassion, integrity, respect, perseverance and celebration.

These guys rule! Take it from my experience. If you ever get in contact with them they will really look after you!

History
Mission Australia was formed in 2000 when a series of smaller Missions joined together to create a unified, Australia-wide, organisation to help people. These Missions included Brisbane City Mission, Sydney City Mission, Hunter Mission, Mission Australia Southern NSW, Mission Australia Group Training and Mission Employment, Mission SA, Perth City Mission and Wollongong City Mission.

The precursors to Mission Australia, the City Missions were inspired by the London City Mission established by David Nasmith. The Sydney City Mission was established in 1862 by Benjamin Short while the Brisbane City Mission was established in 1859 and Adelaide City Mission (later Mission SA) in 1867.

Services
Mission Australia provides: accommodation and support programs for the homeless; creative services for homeless youth; counselling and support programs for families and accommodation and support for people with disabilities.

Missionbeat
Missionbeat is a mobile service that drives around Sydney, helping people who are homeless find accommodation or helping those under the effects of drugs or alcohol to obtain medical attention.

Fundraising
One way Mission Australia raises funds is through holding a series of Adventure Holidays. Travelers wishing to take part must raise a predetermined amount of money which is then used to pay for travel expenses and to help Mission Australia continue its work in areas selected by the individual fundraiser. Previous trips have visited the Inca Trail, Kokoda Track, Mount Everest and The Great Wall of China.

Registered Training Organisation
They are also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), providing from basic skills and prevocational to vocational education (Technical and Further Education courses) Certificates I-IV and Diploma and Advanced Diploma level, they offer training in a broad range of areas, these include:
 * Assessment and Workplace Training
 * Community Services (Aged Care, Children's Services, Social Housing, Youth Work (including Juvenile Justice)
 * Industry focussed (Construction, Horticulture, Hospitality, Retail, Transport and Distribution--Warehousing and Storage, Seafood industry)
 * English Language
 * General Education for Adults
 * Information Technology
 * Management

City Missions worldwide

 * Edinburgh City Mission
 * London City Mission
 * Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (USA)

Social policy related reports

 * "There's something different about this place" April, 2002
 * "Strengthening Australian communities" July 2001
 * The McClure Report: Participation Support for a More Equitable Society July, 2000