Reports

As the housing crisis continues to escalate in our communities, the past year has once again tested the spirit, adaptability, and commitment of Micah Projects .

In an environment marked by increasing demand and persistent systemic challenges, changes in government policies, the organisation has continued to grow its impact, delivering even more support to those experiencing housing insecurity, disadvantage, and social exclusion.

With a notable increase in referrals and brokerage activity, Micah Projects faced signifi-cant pressure yet remained unwavering in its capacity to respond with compassion, pro-fessionalism, and determination. Their commitment to Micah Projects’ purpose and values remains at the heart of all we achieve.

Sustaining a robust and flexible workforce is more pivotal than ever. The Board commends all staff for their extraordinary work under demanding circumstances. Their innovation, collaboration, persistence, care, and leadership continue to inspire.

Throughout the year, the Micah Projects’ Board has remained actively engaged in reviewing our governance and strategic direction, ensuring we are responsive to the unsettled social landscape while upholding our organisational integrity. As a Board we endeavour to foster close relationships with our leadership team and staff, recognising that shared purpose and open communication are essential in navigating uncertainty and growth.

Micah Projects’ ability to provide meaningful, life-changing support is only possible through the enduring partnerships with our stakeholders, funding bodies, philanthropic supporters, donors, and volunteers. Their contributions remain crucial, and we are grateful for their continued belief in our work and purpose.

On behalf of the Micah Projects Board, I would like to express my sincere thank you to out-going Directors, Damien Atkinson, Cherie van Wensveen and Alison McRae for their guid-ance, insight, and generosity of time. To our current Board Directors Jemma Venables, Mark Thomson, Megan Giles, Patrick Silvey and Cathy Taylor, thank you for your ongoing dedication to Micah Projects. I also extend heartfelt appreciation to all Micah Projects Members and volunteers whose support strengthens every aspect of our work.

As I reflect on my fourth year as Chair of the Board, I remain hopeful and energised. Through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, we will continue to drive systemic change and work towards a society where everyone has access to safe, affordable hous-ing, quality healthcare, and the support they need to thrive.

— Debora Jackson, Chair

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the FARM Committee Report for the financial year ending 30 June 2025.

This year marks Micah’s 30th anniversary, and it has been our most significant year yet from a financial perspective.

Revenue increased to almost $80m, the highest ever revenue for Micah and a 62% increase over the prior year. Grants accounted for 97% of total funding, up from 93% last year. Of the Grant funding, the State Government funding rose $31m largely in response to the homelessness crisis. We also received just over $1 million in cash donations again this year—our sincere thanks to all our generous donors.

This huge increase in funding was mostly used on brokerage which increased 253% to $26.8m. In prior years brokerage has hovered around 15% of revenue, but this year brokerage spend surged to 33% of all revenue received.

The State through their Immediate Housing Relief (IHR) program, asked Micah to accommodate all individuals and families presenting as homeless. Micah rose to the challenge, and by the end of the year were booking over 350 motel rooms nightly to provide temporary shelter while permanent housing solutions were arranged. The IHR program funding expanded from $8.3m at the beginning of the year to $26.2m in brokerage spend by the end of the year, a 215% increase in an already large program.

With all the extra brokerage, we were able to increase our workforce by 25% and now have just over 400 employees. There was also an increased demand on vehicles, IT, property and other organisational costs to allow Micah staff to provide services to participants.

Another major initiative this year was the opening of the Caboolture Women & Girls Health Hub which opened in the last quarter of the year, providing free, walk-in health and wellbeing services – including general, family, reproductive, and specialist care – for women and girls, especially those facing greater health challenges. This is new funding for Micah.

Micah has reported a surplus of $1.95m for the year, which includes the capitalisation of $1.7m of leasehold fitout and other assets that were fully paid for during the year, but are treated differently by accounting standards.

Micah's balance sheet remains solvent and strong, with a growing asset base to comfortably cover all liabilities. Micah remains debt free with 3 owned properties. This year the Board introduced an Asset Stewardship Policy to ensure all Micah-owned assets are kept in good working order and maintain their value and useability over time. Under the Asset Stewardship Policy, Micah sets aside funds each year into a future maintenance reserve fund which can be used for major expenditure like renovations or major repairs.

During the year, the Board made significant progress in strengthening our risk management framework, including the development of a risk appetite statement, risk management policy, and a strategic risk register. The progress made on risk management will help to ensure Micah continues to provide the right support for our staff in the valuable services they deliver.

Thank you as always to the excellent job that is done by the members of FARM last year – Damien Atkinson, Cherie Van Wensveen, Alison McRae and Debra Jackson - and to all the Micah Projects finance staff, including Mark Cranny and Julie King. Thanks also to our Auditors from BDO, led by Anthony Whyte, for their support and positive support of our annual report.

–Damien Atkinson, FARM Committee Chair