We Are Mobilise

IMPACT IN ACTION

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HEY! WE ARE MOBILISE

Since Nedd’s Record Run, We Are Mobilise has been able to take massive strides in supporting those facing homelessness across Australia.

It’s still early days, but we’re excited to share how these programs are not only providing financial relief but also reducing stress, fostering stability, and helping participants regain control over their lives. We’re continuing to engage volunteers, donors, charities and communities across Australia, ensuring that everyone gets involved in creating a future where homelessness is a thing of the past. Having said that, our journey has been so much more than working with Nedd, so in this report we’ve thrown in everything we’ve been up to and the evidence of our impact that we’re seeing! We hope you enjoy the trip down memory lane and getting to know us a bit more.

THEORY OF CHANGE

Homelessness is a pervasive and growing issue across Australia.

The 2021 census found that there was a 5.2% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness nationally between 2016–2021. Of those experiencing homelessness in 2021, 39% were living in severely crowded dwellings, 20% were in supported accommodation for the homeless and 6.2% were considered to be rough sleeping (ABS. 2023).

BUT IF WE COULD...

  • Ignite a movement
  • Empower those experiencing homelessness
  • And promote direct participation in the solution

AND IMPLEMENT...

  • Expanded outreach opportunities 
  • Distribution of funds into the hands of those that need it most 
  • And engagement of

    the wider community in a conversation for change

THEN IN THE FUTURE WE COULD SEE...

  •  A cultural shift in how society thinks about and responds to homelessness
  • People who have experienced homelessness are making strides towards the future they want
  • Homelessness humanised through storytelling
  • New and innovative ways to respond to homelessness

WE’VE ALWAYS BEEN FOCUSED ON CONNECTION FOR CHANGE

Imagine a country where no one sleeps on the streets.
That’s the question that sparked our founding and drives us every day.

At Mobilise, we refuse to accept homelessness as a reality in prosperous Australia. Our mission is clear: to develop innovative solutions that change the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

What’s more is that Mobilise has always wanted people to have a go at giving back to those in need using what they have at their disposal.

We’ve also always said ‘yes’ to anyone who wanted to get involved and have a go, because we understood that a big group of passionate people bring ideas and opportunity far greater than a small team

All these things converged and have enabled us to make the most of every opportunity we’ve been given by countless people and organisations that have helped the mission along the way. 

 We think we’re doing you proud, and couldn’t be more grateful for every person who’s seen and believed in our potential.

NEDD’S RUN GAVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO MUCH MORE...

We Are Mobilise was extremely fortunate to have been chosen as the charity partner for a major, national fundraising campaign.

Nedd and Mobilise have now set a shared goal to transform 10,000 lives by 2030 – and his support extends to Nedd’s books ‘Showing Up’ and ‘Fire Up’, Nedd’s Milk partnerships, the RUNN documentary, and more world record attempts.

$0

MEDIA SPEND

254K

NEW FOLLOWERS

10M+

REEL VIEWS

50M+

REACH

WE’RE EMPOWERING PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY DISTRIBUTING FUNDS INTO THE HANDS OF THOSE THAT NEED IT MOST

At the core of what we do is Direct Giving, including Mobilise Kickstarter, Pay, Wellbeing, Mobility and Australia’s first direct cash transfer program Mobilise Matched. These programs are designed to meet people where they are and provide them with the resources they need to get back on their feet.

Learn more about our direct giving programs

WE’VE PROMOTING DIRECT PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPATION IN THE SOLUTION BY EXPANDING OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

Mobilise Outreach is our volunteer program that connects directly with our friends on the street who are doing it tough and experiencing homelessness.

Since 2020

860+ VOLUNTEERS

155+ OUTREACHES

1100+ CONVERSATIONS WITH OUT FRIENDS ON THE STREET

2900+ ESSENTIAL ITEMS PROVIDED

AND WE'RE IGNITING A MOVEMENT BY ENGAGING THE WIDER COMMUNITY IN A CONVERSATION FOR CHANGE.

At Mobilise, we’re all about getting people involved in the conversation about homelessness– especially those who might not typically engage with these issues

PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS MAKING STRIDES TOWARDS THE FUTURE THEY WANT

HOLISTIC WELLBEING

FINANCIAL WELLBEING

EMPOWERING PEOPLE AND IMPROVING SELF-ESTEEM. 

 

MAKING PEOPLE HAPPY & INCREASING THEIR SENSE OF SAFETY AND SECURITY

She’s so excited about getting [her children] in with extracurricular activities- all their friends were in sport, but she had no way to pay. We were trying to find discounted ones, but she’s so excited to get them into[team sport] with their friends – feel that normalcy that she wouldn’t be able to give them.” – Charity Referrer

IMPROVED MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

ACCESSING BETTER SERVICES (HEALTHCARE VISITS, EDUCATION, HOUSING SUPPORT)

[Mobilise Pay] Has freed her up to focus on her physical health issues, she’s able to go to the hospital and attend appointments, be set up for appointments stress-free. She’s […] almost overwhelmed with how great it’s been, she was so disrupted from the DV. She can now afford trauma counselling that’s helped her take it all in and believe she’s worthy.” – Charity Referrer

BETTER SOCIAL TREATMENT AT WORK & IN THE COMMUNITY

 

BETTER NUTRITION AND IMPROVING FOOD SECURITY

REDUCING THE DURATION OF HOMELESSNESS

 

INCREASING PARTICIPANTS’ HOUSEHOLD ASSETS

One of the ladies who got it was going to use those savings toward buying a car- she was able to purchase one, she had a small amount of savings[…] she has 3 [children] under 7 so before that in middle of winter she’d be walking them to school and childcare, budgeting for boots and rain jackets. She cried when I told her she’d been approved for the grant.” – Charity Referrer

INVESTING IN THEIR EMPLOYABILITY AND FUTURE GOALS

It has allowed them to focus on other aspects of their life thanks to the Kickstarter funds. [I think] they’re on the right path. One participant in particular, it really helped and was able to give her that ability to look for work and have those pressures off during those 3 months and [I believe] they’re now in full time employment.” – Charity Referrer

REDUCING FINANCIAL DEPRIVATION

A CULTURAL SHIFT IN HOW SOCIETY THINKS ABOUT AND RESPONDS TO HOMELESSNESS

Mobilise is working to change how Australians see homelessness. Of the 122,000 people across Australia facing homelessness, 94% are not visible on the street but are living in unstable or insecure housing. Through our Direct Giving programs as well as Outreach, we aim to challenge these misconceptions to reduce stigma, encourage a deeper understanding of the issue and inspire the community to take action. 

FOSTERING A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF HOMELESSNESS IN THE COMMUNITY

“We met some incredible people of all ages, from friends who had university degrees or an elderly person who first became homeless at 75. Both with amazing journeys yet circumstances dictated their current position. Both showed amazing positively despite the adversity.”– Outreach Coordinator reflection

INSPIRING PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION

A SPECIAL THANKS TO 

HOMELESSNESS HUMANISED THROUGH STORYTELLING 

Storytelling is at the heart of Mobilise’s approach. By sharing the real-life experiences of people facing homelessness, we break down barriers and build empathy. We do this by creating opportunities for meaningful conversations. These conversations and stories bring humanity to the forefront and shift the focus from their circumstances of homelessness to the resilience and talents of people.We can see the impact of storytelling in how the community engages with homelessness as an issue.

INCREASING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WITH HOMELESSNESS.

“Holy moly. This is impactful. What a story” – Instagram user commentA growing audience is connecting to our cause – our Facebook community has over 1,700 members who have or who are keen to join us as volunteers and connect with people sleeping rough. Mobilise also helped to develop the RUNN documentary, which follows Nedd Brockmann’s legendary run across Australia. that has spread awareness surrounding homelessness in Australia.Between 5 screenings in NSW, VIC and QLD, as well as streaming on Foxtel andKayo freebies, this has been viewed by people around the world. RUNN and its showings opened up a new way for us to connect with the public about homelessness, and inspiring people to do what they can to be part of the solution. 

NEW AND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO RESPOND TO HOMELESSNESS

ADDRESSING GAPS IN SUPPORT COVERAGE

One area we see more with [clients] who are ready to move on, is driving lessons and licenses. Most [people] we work with would have one- no one on Centrelink can afford paid lessons, you need someone who can afford petrol and time to teach you. It’s so unattainable that some [clients] don’t even think about it as a priority- even if you come from a family where parents can’t teach you, that keeps going into later life.” – Charity referrer

EMPOWERING CHARITY PARTNERS

 

The trust Mobilise places on the referral partner to make the best judgement call is appreciated and really valued.” – Charity referrer

IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF SUPPORT– REMOVING BUREAUCRACY

[The process is] Super convenient for everyone, how fast it moves once it’s approved- people need the money when they need it, and you guys are great at getting that out to housing providers, it doesn’t hold up[the participants] moving into a property. All our Ops group have been surprised, [we’ve heard back from Mobilise] even within the same day.” – Charity referrer

USING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY, OUTREACH, OR DATA COLLECTION ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

The process is far simpler than all other services.”– Charity referrer

“MOBILISE HAS GENUINELY CREATED SOMETHING WHERE THERE WAS NOTHING. ” CHARITY REFERRER

AT MOBILISE, WE KNOW THAT HOMELESSNESS IN AUSTRALIA IS SOLVABLE, AND OUR JOURNEY IS JUST GETTING STARTED. 

Project 10,000 is the ambitious goal of Nedd Brockmann and Mobilise to make a real difference in the lives of 10,000 Australians by 2030.

Read our full Impact Report! 

MOBILISE

READ FULL IMPACT REPORT HERE

Andrew Sloman

Andrew has recently joined the Board after initial conversations with Anthony and Noah where they expressed a desire to source risk, governance and financial expertise to the organisation and would Andrew recommend anyone from his networks.

So taken was Andrew with the organisation, the mission, strategy and people that he decided to contribute himself and leverage his 30 years experience as a registered company auditor, risk and internal audit practitioner.

As a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, you can often find him criss crossing the Tasman Sea and mumbling the occasional word of Te Reo Maori. He also holds governance roles as a Board Member of the Victorian Local Governance Association and is an independent member of Risk Committees at the Richmond Football Club and the A.G. Coombs Group.

He is passionate about managing risk in sectors including charities/not-for-profits, Local Government, Sport and Sport Infrastructure, and you will find him most weekends at the MCG cheering on his beloved Tigers.

Jenna Downer

Having spent the last decade working across corporate and philanthropic partnerships, across both National Sporting Organisations, and international not-for-profits, Jenna is passionate about the human experience, believing we all have opportunity, and the responsibility to improve to world of tomorrow.

With attitude of curiosity, and a knack commercialising programs, Jenna creates value for organisations seeking to make tangible social impact, championing sustainable development principles across commercial and philanthropic partnerships. 

With a career built around relationships and networks, weekends mean are a change of pace, often spent at the dog park with a great Melbourne-brewed coffee in hand.

Trent Milvain

Trent is the Chief Operating Officer of Law Squared.

He has overseen the firm’s growth over the past eight years alongside Demetrio Zema and the business, laying and executing the firm’s strategy–from new legal and non–legal service lines to integrating teams across Australia, United Kingdom, and most recently an office in Auckland, New Zealand.

A sample of Trent’s responsibilities includes leading the firm’s culture, capability, and day-to-day operations.

His strategic approach has also led to the establishment of a Legal Technology function that provides helps corporate legal departments optimise their legal operations & technology.

Trent advises a Melbourne-based FinTech and is a founding board member for We Are Mobilse which is on a mission to positively transform the lives of those facing homelessness across Australia.

Previously, Trent worked as a Commercial Manager for one of Australia’s leading retail groups and has advised a construction firm in Melbourne.

In his free time, Trent enjoys learning and experiencing new things, spending time with friends and family, and watching live sports.

Chris King

Chris King

Chris is one of the founding volunteers of We Are Mobilise, which started in 2016 and has served as a director on the board since its conception.

Early in his time with We Are Mobilise, Chris realised the power of conversation and was troubled by the isolation that those facing homelessness felt. It became clear that the isolation was feeding a disconnect, not only from society but also from their sense of humanity; compelled by this, Chris continued to do what he could to recognise, acknowledge and help those living with homelessness.

Over the years, his role has changed from a more hands-on approach running the volunteer marketing team to a more strategic role assisting the full-time staff to grow We Are Mobilise to its most impactful state.

In his day job, although rarely just during the day, Chris is a founding employee of the creative business Bullfrog, specialising in communications, commercialisation and innovation. He primarily works across Production and Client Management for various national and international companies.

Anthony Alsop

Anthony Alsop

Attracted by the impact of multiple outreach experiences in 2022, Anthony joined the board of We Are Mobilise that year before assuming the role of Chief Marketing Officer in 2023.

His career journey spans the sports industry, with stints at the Australian Football League’s Richmond Football Club and Brisbane Lions as well as Tennis Australia, and Channel 7. Beyond our Aussie borders, he left his mark in the hustle and bustle of New York with the National Basketball Association.

Anthony’s passion is storytelling, having created documentaries, TV shows, and podcasts throughout his career. He’s not just a behind-the-scenes guy; he’s been in the executive hot seat and led communications during his tenure within the AFL. He leads our marketing function and infuses his unique storytelling into our branding, communications, partnerships, and fundraising efforts.

Off the clock, you’ll find Anthony playing basketball, at the movies, or hanging out with family and friends. Catch him in action from his appearance on ABC’s Hard Quiz for a dose of his lighter side.
Danielle Schutte

Danielle Schutte

Danielle joined the Mobilise board in 2021 after a conversation with Noah where they decided they could change the world. After 2 years of volunteering, she decided that the only way we could get there was to focus on the mission full-time, when she joined as Chief Operating Officer.

Danielle has always been interested in the big global systems that impact people’s lives every day and has built a career on trying to understand and change these for the better.

This long-time hospo worker journeyed through a Masters in Public Health, stints in advocacy, to management consulting in the health sector and a strategy at a large federal government agency.

She’s been able to use this to develop our flagship programs from scratch and build the back-end of Mobilise into a more efficient operation, and making sure we’re focussed on using technology to help us help our friends on the street. You can check out her weirder side in her passion project: a podcast mixing health technology and the healing powers of music.

Otherwise you can find her riding a scooter to a gig near you or doing circus aerial tricks (badly).

CEO Noah Yang

Noah Yang

Noah is the Founder of We Are Mobilise and currently serves as Managing Director/CEO.

Challenged by the understanding that no-one in Australia should have to sleep on the street, the Mobilise journey began when Noah and a friend set out with bags of bread to have conversations with those they met. Since that day, Noah has lead We Are Mobilise from a grassroots movement focused on assertive outreach through to an ACNC-registered national charity which has recently completed the $2 million+ Nedd Brockmann campaign – positioning it ready to deliver impact across its 3 core pillars.

Noah’s background was in management consulting and he has an inquisitive nature, passionate about leveraging commercial solutions to make a social impact.

He has coupled a diverse consulting experience with a global education, informing his passion for innovation and an eagerness to deploy an entrepreneurial approach to business building.

Outside of Mobilise, Noah enjoyed building a project called ‘ASX Investor’ – a digital media channel that amassed 25,000+ total followers and featured interviews with CEO’s from across the ASX.

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