Has someone stood alongside you during a difficult moment?
Click on the button to nominate them for the Stand Together Day Awards. You and the person you nominate could be enjoying an adventure on the Gold Coast where the awards will be presented.
Together we stand to end homelessness in Australia.
Real stories:
Broadcast on 27 Christian radio stations, homeless at 23
For eight years and nearly 2,500 episodes, Luke Holt’s voice was broadcasted across 27 Christian radio stations as a part of the Luke and Susie radio show. Luke, his wife Susie, and their three sons live what they would describe as a happy life in a safe home. No one would guess that on his 23rd birthday, Luke was homeless at a train station in the western suburbs of Sydney – alone, without money, friends or family, and with no other options.
Luke’s story highlights that hidden homelessness can happen to anyone, through no fault of their own. But thankfully, strangers chose to stand together with a young and broken man in his time of need.
Has someone stood alongside you during a difficult moment? Nominate them to honour their role in your story.
There is hope to end homelessnes in Australia.
Ashley remembers her first experience of homelessness when she was just four years old. Throughout most of her childhood and teen years, Ashley faced ongoing struggles with mental health, tragic life events, and family conflict.
As an adult, Ashley pursued further study in community services. When she came across the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – a document written by the UN over 75 years ago, Ashley caught her first glimpse of the life she deserves to live.
Today, Ashley applies her lived experience in her role at Mission Australia, offering real hope that has lasting impact. Ashley’s story highlights that there is hope to end homelessness in Australia if we choose to stand together.
Has someone stood alongside you during a difficult moment? Nominate them to honour their role in your story.
Homelessness facts



1 ABS (2021) Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness
2 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) Specialist homelessness services annual report 2021–22
Who are Australia’s ‘hidden homeless’?
Even if we don’t see it, homelessness is all around us. In fact, 94% of homelessness in Australia is hidden from view. Hidden homelessness can happen to anyone, through no fault of their own. The increased cost of living, impact of domestic and family violence, mental health issues and the lack of affordable housing for vulnerable people – these are all factors contributing to a homelessness crisis in Australia.
Every night, over 122,000 Australians are homeless1 – living in their cars, a garage or other temporary, often insecure accommodation.
They are Australia’s hidden homeless.

Will you pray with us?
Prayer is powerful. You can become a Mission Australia prayer partner and join us in praying for our services around the nation.
Available in your choice of a weekly email or quarterly in the post, you can join Christians around Australia in prayer for people in need.
Stand Together Day Awards
Stand Together Day Awards



The stand together day award will be presented as a part of the CMAA Connect Conference in partnership with Mission Australia.
The prize includes the Excellence in Media Awards dinner on Tuesday 24 September 2024, offering an impressive dining experience prepared by the culinary artists of QT.
Accommodation is included in the winner’s award where you will be staying for two nights at the QT Hotel in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. Breakfast is included as part of your registration. Be prepared for a stunningly delightful array of delectable fare to fuel you each day.