The Difference

The Difference is a publication designed to help all Australians make a difference to the lives of our nation’s most disadvantaged— while at the same time enriching us all.

Issue 1 of The Difference was launched on March 22nd 2011 by Simon McKeon, 2011 Australian of the Year and has received extensive media coverage and feedback as an important research and investment tool for all Australians.

It is an annual Australian report card on the indicators of disadvantage, poverty and exclusion, underpinned by research by Access Economics.

The research shows we are becoming less inclusive as a society — going backwards on indicators like child abuse and neglect, suicide, rates of reimprisonment, homelessness, public housing waiting lists and credit default.

Clearly government alone cannot fix the problems — responsibility also lies with us.

The Difference introduces you to real people behind the statistics, and projects that will have an immediate impact on their lives. These projects are led by charities with reputation, capacity and a track record of success.

The goal of The Difference is to bring the issues, people and solutions together to create opportunities for people and corporations to assist.

By inviting more people to get involved and linking social investors to prevention projects, we hope to see the indicators improve over time.

Our five year strategic plan includes increasing the culture and effectiveness of giving within Australia as well as publishing state based versions and extending The Difference to Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.

We welcome you to explore our website www.urthedifference.net.au and the innovative programs we support to deliver lasting change.