Melbourne City Mission - MCM

07/09/2026

For over 170 years, Melbourne City Mission has supported Victorians in their time of need. Here's an update on how your support has made a difference.

Today, we run more than 65 different programs, each catering for a need in the community. From early intervention with young people and families, to housing and health programs for adults, MCM’s services create safer, stronger futures.

Read our Spring Newsletter and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes: www.mcm.org.au/our-publications

06/09/2026

Today, our CEO Paul Wappett joined ABC News to discuss the urgent need for more housing options for young people experiencing homelessness and to welcome the Australian Government's $145 million investment in crisis and transitional housing across Victoria. This investment will help deliver 234 new homes for young people at risk of homelessness and women and their children escaping family violence

At MCM, we see firsthand the challenges facing young people who are forced into homelessness and too often become trapped there because there are not enough dedicated pathways into safe, stable youth housing options.

We welcome the leadership of Federal Housing Minister Clare O'Neil () and the Australian Government in recognising the importance of investing in housing solutions that create opportunities for young people to build brighter futures.

This is an important step forward, but more investment in dedicated youth housing and support is needed if we are to end youth homelessness for good.

06/09/2026

National Child Protection Week is a reminder to focus on how we can all help keep children and young people safe, supported and heard.

That's why we'd like to share this story today, from Jennifer, who is a Senior Practitioner on our Restoring Families team. They had the privilege of supporting a dad and his 5-year-old-son, to be reunified, after almost 3 years of separation.

Restoring Families aims to keep families together or reunify them if their children have been in care. This is achieved by providing the right support, when and where it is needed most and with the right team of people

With the support of Jennifer and the Restoring Families program, Mark* (father) and Tom* (son) were able to rebuild and strengthen their relationship, leading to full-time care.

By coming together, listening to children and young people, sharing ideas and turning conversation into action, we can strengthen the communities around children and families.

Learn more about our Child and Family Services: https://www.mcm.org.au/services/child-and-family-services/family-response

*Names changed to protect privacy

05/09/2026

Did you know about our Community Friend Program? It's a way for people with a disability to get involved in social and community life. Think arts and crafts, bowling and movie nights!

It's also National Day of Charity today, so there's no better time to share Cameron and Rainer's story.

Since 2016, Cameron and volunteer Rainer have built a meaningful and enduring friendship. One of their favourite activities was their trip to Lake Eildon, where they spent time exploring, relaxing and creating new memories.

"While no fish were caught, it was a fantastic time. When Cameron steered the boat, we agreed on his name as ‘Captain Cameron’," said Rainer.

Stories like this wouldn't be possible without the support of our donors, volunteers and community. Thank you.

Learn more about our Community Friend Program: www.mcm.org.au/services/disability-and-ndis/community-friendship

04/09/2026

Today, our CEO Paul Wappett joined ABC News to discuss the urgent need for more housing options for young people experiencing homelessness and to welcome the Australian Government's $145 million investment in crisis and transitional housing across Victoria. This investment will help deliver 234 new homes for young people at risk of homelessness and women and their children escaping family violence

At MCM, we see firsthand the challenges facing young people who are forced into homelessness and too often become trapped there because there are not enough dedicated pathways into safe, stable youth housing options.

We welcome the leadership of Federal Housing Minister Clare O'Neil MP and the Australian Government in recognising the importance of investing in housing solutions that create opportunities for young people to build brighter futures.

This is an important step forward, but more investment in dedicated youth housing and support is needed if we are to end youth homelessness for good.

01/09/2026

A better future for young Victorians is possible.

MCM's 2026 Victorian State Election Platform, Safe Homes, Strong Futures, sets out five key goals to help end youth homelessness, improve mental health outcomes, escape family violence, support learning and create greater opportunities for young people across Victoria.

As we approach the 2026 Victorian State Election, we're calling on decision-makers to invest in solutions that help young people recover, learn, work and thrive.

Read the platform and join the conversation: https://www.mcm.org.au/advocacy/2026-election-platform

28/08/2026

What did we get up to for Wear it Purple Day? 🏳️‍🌈🎉

This week, MCM staff celebrated and showed their support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Across our sites there was cake, celebrations, learning activities and even a best dressed competition! 💜

Wear It Purple Day is an international movement that aims to support and empower young people of diverse sexualities and gender identities. It strives to ensure all young people feel valued and supported. It serves as a reminder to celebrate and advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth everywhere.

We recognise that young LGBTIQA+ people face a higher risk of poor social, economic and health outcomes, including homelessness. Which is why we'll continue to invest in safe housing and opportunities for young people to shape their own futures.

27/08/2026

The most important conversations happen while playing on the floor, reading a favourite book or getting ready for the day. This week is Speech Pathology week, so we'll show you how it works. 👇

Every child develops communication in their own way and at their own pace. By supporting families to build communication into everyday routines, children have more opportunities to connect, learn and participate in the activities that matter most to them. 💞

🔗 Learn more about the work our Speech Pathologists do: www.mcm.org.au/news/speech-pathology-week-2026

26/08/2026

It's Speech Pathology Week, so we thought we'd take you along a typical day with Liana, one of our amazing Speech Pathologists in our Early Childhood Intervention Services.

At MCM, our Speech Pathologist's work alongside children, families, educators, and their local community to support communication in ways that are meaningful for everyone. In this case, it meant having the confidence and knowing different ways to advocate for sensory needs (like for example, asking for a break).

🔗 Learn more about the work our ECIS team does: www.mcm.org.au/news/speech-pathology-week-2026

26/08/2026

Congrats Quantum Support Services. 👏

In June, our school Hester Hornbrook Academy also achieved Bronze for their Foundation Submission. And in March this year, MCM Housing and our services achieved Silver and Gold, respectively, for their Advanced Submissions for LGBTQIA+ inclusive services and allyship.

We'll continue to celebrate diversity and make sure that everyone we work with is safe, empowered, supported and respected.

We are pleased to share that Quantum Support Services has achieved Bronze status for its Health and Wellbeing Equality Index (HWEI) Foundation Submission.

Awarded by Pride in Health and Wellbeing (PIHW), Bronze is the only status granted at this initial stage of the Index, making it a fantastic achievement for Quantum.

This milestone reflects Quantum's commitment to shaping a more inclusive and equitable delivery of services for the LGBTQIA+ community across Gippsland, while demonstrating our organisational values of respect, integrity and empowerment.

We are proud of this recognition and look forward to continuing our journey towards greater inclusion and equality.