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Research, policy and advocacy
Annual report 2023
Reshaping
Australia’s
future
Making change that lasts
Change has always been at the heart of our story. For over 90 years, we’ve been helping to reshape the course of lives, communities and systems by making the lasting change needed to end poverty and disadvantage in Australia. In this annual report, we share our achievements over the past year in driving innovation, collaboration, and impact to make change happen. We also look forward to the next chapter as we introduce our new strategic plan for the years ahead, continuing our work in reshaping Australia’s future.
Reflections from our leaders
A message from our Executive Director, Travers McLeod
'I’m excited for how we are setting ourselves up for greater influence as we head towards our centenary in 2030.'
A message from our Board Chair, Stephen Newton AO
'Our enduring focus has always been on shaping that better future for our nation.'
Thank you
We know that it takes people to make change happen.To our Board, team, volunteers, partners and supporters we say thank you for your hard work, commitment and contribution to creating a fairer Australia.
Our year of impact
In the past year, we worked with over 82,470 participants to help reshape the future through long-term change. We also delivered 25 youth and community programs through a total of 165 partnerships.
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30
Policy submissions and research publications helped lay the groundwork for change
16,000+
households supported to cut energy bills with Power Saving Bonus
$40
a fortnight increase to Jobseeker rate following Federal Budget advocacy
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6148
families set up for a bright start to school through HIPPY
23
young people in BSL Jobs Victoria First Jobs project were supported into employment
13
Youth Advisers set the agenda for change through a Youth Advisory Group
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58,072
people with disability supported to help reach their goals – 10% of all NDIS participants
24
Local Government Areas covered by our wide-reaching disability services
1148
engagement activities with co-location partners to promote inclusion and accessibility
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15
years of partnership celebrated with ANZ in our Given the Chance program
75%
of participants who set employment as a goal have found jobs through the SEED project
7800
people supported in our work and learning programs to open opportunities
Children and youth
Disability
Economic and social inclusion
Highlights across our work
Explore some of this year’s key achievements throughout our many services, projects and initiatives.
Advocacy + Reconciliation
Raising our collective voice
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Disability + Diversity, equity and inclusion
Participation for all
We’ve worked towards inclusion for everyone, helping create a society where each person is valued and can take part.
Aged care
Supporting needs as we age
We’ve supported older people to stay safe, healthy and engaged according to their needs.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
Businesses for good
We’ve helped end poverty and disadvantage in practical ways, while also building connections and shaping communities.
VOLUNTEERING
Our community of changemakers
We’ve continued to harness the passion, experience and talents of volunteers as we work together towards an Australia free of poverty.
CHAPLAINCY
Care, community, and connections
We’ve worked hard to build up and support people within the BSL team and the broader community.
Chaplaincy
Care, community, and connections
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Volunteering
Our community of changemakers
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Social enterprises
Businesses for good
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Social Policy and Research Centre (SPARC)
Policy and research that matters
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Aged care
Supporting needs as we age
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Disability + diversity, equity and inclusion
Participation for all
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Work, economic security and social inclusion
Opening opportunities
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Youth
Unlocking potential
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Children
Strong foundations for life
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Advocacy + reconciliation
Raising our collective voice
We’ve helped reshape the future by driving big-picture, big-impact change that makes a difference in the lives of many.
Reshaping lives —
stories from our community
‘It was really good to have people hear me, so it’s not just people reading facts and numbers but they understand our real experience.’
‘It meant a lot that someone like me could be talking to all these people that make decisions.’
Nathan Carolus, a participant in our youth services, was supported by BSL to take part in the federal government’s 2022 Jobs and Skills Summit and speak with the Prime Minister and Treasurer.
‘The future is really exciting… we can help create real change for First Nations people.’
Grace Birch, our newly appointed First Nations Employment Adviser, has a personal and family connection with BSL and its work – and is a big part of our journey to reconciliation.
The next chapter — our vision for reshaping the future
Strategy
2030
The next chapter — our vision for reshaping the future
We’re looking forward to building on our achievements so far with our new Strategy 2030, setting out the path towards a more inclusive, fair Australia.
Reshaping our organisation
BSL welcomes three new chief officers
We’ve enhanced our leadership structure by introducing three new leaders in the areas of service design and provision, strategy and operations – putting great people and structures in place to continue to take us forward.
Governance and financials
Our strong organisational systems, financial diligence and sound oversight have again set the foundations for BSL to deliver on our vision and mission over the past financial year.
Acknowledgement of Country
The Brotherhood of St. Laurence acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which our organisation operates. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.