Our Story - Mary MacKillop Today

Our Story

Teacher sitting at desk reading to studentsMary MacKillop Today is an international development organisation working in Australia and overseas. We build partnerships that create opportunities for self-determination through education and the teaching of practical life skills to women, men and children.

Established in 2018, we continue the legacy of a 150-year-old ministry founded by Saint Mary MacKillop. We are proudly continuing the works of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, transforming lives through learning for life so that all may flourish.

We directly manage and implement programs with a range of local partners in Australia, Timor-Leste, Fiji, and Peru in the areas of education, health, financial inclusion and livelihoods. We stand with the marginalised poor in rural and remote communities, so they can realise their potential.

Our work is funded through the generosity of individuals, schools and parishes, trusts and foundations and government grants. Mary MacKillop Today is a registered charity, a member of the Australian Council for International Development and is accredited by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), responsible for managing the Australian Government’s development program. Mary MacKillop Today receives support through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

Our mission

Creating opportunities for self-determination through learning for life so that all may flourish.

Our purpose

Walking alongside people and communities at the margins in Australia and internationally in the spirit of Saint Mary MacKillop.

Our values

COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY:

  • We embrace our inspiration and story
  • We listen and respect the dignity of all people
  • We are connected and support one another
  • We walk together to learn and grow

IMPACTFUL PARTNER:

  • We respect and value local knowledge, expertise and partners
  • We are professional and accountable
  • We are trusted
  • We are efficient stewards
  • We are impact and change focused

RESPONSIVE PIONEERS:

  • We are action orientated
  • We seek to be creative and innovative
  • We speak up
  • We have the courage to do things differently
  • We persevere until we make things better
  • We respond to the signs of the times