Annual report Northern Territory
Together, in FY24-25 we supported 7,065 people in the NT on their journey towards independence.
A message from our State Director
This year in the Northern Territory, we’ve continued to push boundaries and show up when needed most. The challenges have been real: the rising cost-of-living and housing demand pressures; but so has our determination. Together with our incredible staff, volunteers, funders and partners, we’ve supported 7,065 Territorians through tough times. Whether it’s helping end homelessness, strengthening communities, or providing hope, we’ve done it with heart, purpose and teamwork. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved and grateful to everyone who’s been part of the journey. Because when we work together, we don’t just respond… we create lasting change.
With many wonderful achievements to celebrate over the year; some highlights include:
- Being selected to deliver multiple Specialist Homelessness Services contracts, expanding our reach to support Territorians at risk of or experiencing homelessness
- Reducing rental arrears significantly at Aherlkeme Development Centre in Alice Springs, helping more residents access long-term public housing
- Launching the Supported and Safe Integrated Tenancy Program at Litchfield Court, a 127-unit social housing complex, offering wraparound support and culturally safe after-hours services
- Influencing the NT Homelessness Strategy 2025–2030, advocating for a bold shift from ‘reducing’ to ‘ending’ homelessness
- Facilitating a smooth transition of our Sobering Up Shelter to a new 40-bed facility in Berrimah, continuing vital support for people impacted by alcohol
- Being nominated for an NT Business Excellence Award for our collaboration with Ventia, helping to place people in employment with the Australian Defence Force
- Strengthening partnerships with First Nations organisations focused on apprenticeships, education, training and local community engagement
- And distributing essential donations such as beds, food hampers, toys, and dignity bags; thanks to the generosity of Foodbank, local churches, and supermarkets. This considerably eased housing stress and improved wellbeing for families across Darwin.
Together, we step into the future with optimism, building hope and possibility for all Territorians, through compassion, connection, action and lasting change.
Warm regards
Sue Budalich
State Director, Western Australia & Northern Territory
Our year at a glance
3,234
People supported through two alcohol and other drugs services.
1,189
People experiencing homelessness supported through 9 services.
812
People supported through 8 specialist pre-employment, education and training services.
697
People helped through three housing services.
Strategy 2020-25
How we support people in need
We work alongside people and communities; meeting them where they are. Our work is centred on six program pillars that shape how we welcome, support and partner with people and communities.
Housing and homelessness
Safe, secure and affordable homes for all.
Children, young people and families
Safe, resilient and thriving families, children and young people.
Mental health
Improved mental health and wellbeing.
People with disability
Inclusive communities and thriving lives.
Employment, financial support and community engagement.
Increased participation and stronger communities
Alcohol and other drugs.
Building healthier lives.
Our work in focus
Client advisory panel
In November 2024, we launched our first-ever Client Advisory Panel. Ten people with lived experience provide advice and recommendations to shape the future of our services.
- Members have been a client or tenant within the last two years and reflect the diversity of people we support.
- The panel creates a direct link between the people we serve and our leaders, helping us better meet community needs.
- Their insights have informed our new Strategy 2030 and refreshed Vision.
- Members report feeling heard and value the opportunity to embed lived experience into decision-making.
“It has been inspiring to hear the panel insights and see how these have been incorporated into the strategic plan and organisational frameworks.” – Juanita Ford, Service Design and Innovation Lead
Enabling our people
We’re committed to supporting the people who make our work possible. In 2024 we:
- Made 485 fixed-term roles permanent for greater security
- Achieved our lowest voluntary turnover on record at 16.7%
- Introduced a new Enterprise Agreement with enhanced parental leave, wellbeing days and reproductive health leave
- Strengthened diversity and inclusion through a new employee reference group
- Embedded wellbeing and psychosocial safety with team action plans
Advocating for a fairer nation
With our evidence and courageous voice, Mission Australia continued to advocate for a fairer nation and better outcomes for the people and communities we serve
- With 2025 being an election year, we amplified our engagement with government, policymakers to keep housing, youth support, and ending homelessness on the national agenda.
- We engaged through policy submissions, campaigns, media, and direct dialogue with decision-makers.
- We worked with partners to deliver practical, long-term solutions that strengthen services and increase affordable housing.
Where your support goes
$426m
Total operating revenue.
$418.5m
Total operating expenditure.
85.9%
of income went back into services.
14.1%
surplus for future service delivery and growth.
Celebrating the people who make change possible
Thank you to our partners, donors and volunteers for walking alongside us to create lasting change in 2025.
Together, more than 1,000 volunteers gave 41,500+ hours of support, and countless supporters and corporate partners dedicated their time and resources to help people in need.
Thank you for your generosity and commitment. Together, we’re building a future full of hope and possibility for all.
Thank you for helping us
