Media Backgrounder

Structure 

Relationships Australia (RA) is a national federation of Relationships Australia organisations which support people to achieve positive and respectful relationships.  Each state and territory RA is an independent, registered Non Profit Organisation providing a wide range of services.  As a federation we bring together the collective skills of each state and territory organisation to ensure high quality services for all Australians, along with a National Office which coordinates across the members and engages in national policy processes and representation.

Relationships Australia organisations are not for profit organisations and have no religious affiliation.

Our mission is to build stronger relationships which enhance the lives of individuals, families and communities.

Last year our income was A$64 million across Australia.  We are supported in our work by funding from federal, state and local governments.  Our state and territory organisations work with businesses who wish to support us in achieving our mission, and also receive some donation assistance. Many services are provided free or at a modest fee. 

History

Relationships Australia was established in 1948 to assist Australian soldiers returning from World War II to cope with rebuilding their lives and reconnecting with their families.  Divorce, a relatively rare phenomenon in the pre-war period, became a common occurrence.  There was growing concern in the community for those whose marriages were in difficulty.

In 1956, RA hosted its first overseas expert, David Mace, whose visit was underwritten by Australian Consolidated Press in return for which Dr Mace provided a series of articles for the Australian Women’s Weekly. Dr Mace’s speaking events for RA were a sell out and the visit made marriage guidance a well known name and prompted interest from government.

Name change

From 1948, the organisation was called Marriage Guidance, but in 1994, the organisation underwent a name change to Relationships Australia - a name considered more reflective of the broader range of services provided by the organisation.

Today, RA is the largest secular organisation in Australia providing professional services to support relationships.

Scope and Scale  

With almost 1,000 staff and approximately 200 outlets  Australia-wide (inner city, suburban, regional, rural and remote), RA provided services to more than 90,000 people last year.  As a result of rapid expansion in the past year, RA expects that figure to be well over 100,000 this year.

Each state and territory provides a wide range of services to many diverse groups.  We recognise that our relationships with others are fundamental to our lives and are best supported through strong and caring communities.  The work of RA thus involves a wide range of services which includes:

• Working with individuals couples and families
• Supporting people to have positive relationships in their workplaces
• Contributing to the development of caring, safe and inclusive communities
• Working with government and other organisations to ensure those who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged are supported.

RA provides outreach to country areas, isolated communities affected by drought, and often works in partnership with other organisations such as community services, schools and workplaces.    

RA’s services help people to build positive interpersonal relationships, better manage issues and stress in their lives or achieve resolution where there is conflict or family breakdown.

RA particularly focuses on developing improved communication skills and strategies, helping people identify new and positive choices they can make in the future, and understanding the lifecycles and transitions they are experiencing. Providing individuals, couples and families with education and life skills plays an important role in assisting people to have more satisfying relationships.

The organisation is committed to offering the best possible counselling, mediation and education services in a professional, relaxed and confidential environment. It doesn't matter if someone is single, married, divorced, living together or in a same-sex or de-facto relationship, people seek help from RA.  RA services are provided to all people regardless of age, religion, cultural background, gender, social or economic status or lifestyle choice, whether beginning a new relationship, having relationship difficulties, adjusting to change or ending a relationship.

RA staff work with clients on issues such as:

• couple relationships
• family or social difficulties
• communication skills
• family violence
• separation
• sexual abuse
• gambling addiction
• social health issues
• stress
• sexual concerns
• property settlements
• parenting plans
• conflict with children and step children.

Each state and territory provides additional specialist services, including professional education and training. However all of our services have in common supporting people in their personal, workplace and community relationships. 

Put simply, RA helps people to:

• establish relationships
• enhance relationships
• achieve effective transitions in their relationships; and
• manage change, conflict and diversity.

Most clients seek RA’s services to help strengthen and build important relationships with partners and family. Others come to resolve relationship breakdown issues. 

Since its establishment 60 years ago, RA has provided face to face services for approximately 2 million people, and helped countless more through telephone and online services, as well as through its extensive media profile.

Since 1994, RA has produced a biennial qualitative national research report on the state of Australia’s relationships, called the Australian Relationships Indicators Survey, which generates enormous community and media interest.

In 2006-2007, 44% of RA’s clients were men seeking help with their relationships, contrary to a commonly held public perception

Profile

As the major national provider of relationship support services, Relationships Australia enjoys substantial profile and brand recognition. Its brand is associated with high quality services and has the trust and confidence of the public. 

In fact, RA is the first choice for many people. Waiting lists may extend to weeks but people frequently report that they would rather wait for an appointment with RA than be referred to other agencies.

Relationships Australia actively maintains a high profile through radio, print and television media, including links with Channel 7’s Sunrise Program (website) and national online dating agency RSVP (view RSVP’s pod casts).

RA’s own website provided information and professional advisory support to 290,000 unique visitors last year.

Historic Milestones

RA was:

• the first organisation to provide a service for men with domestic violence issues (1986); and
• the first organisation to run (with government funding) a counselling and support service for people who were abused in institutional care (1999).

 
Importantly, 2008 will mark RA’s 60th Anniversary, signifying the organisation’s iconic status in Australia.

RA’s 2006 Australian Relationships Indicators Survey found that respondents valued good relationships as the most important aspect of their lives.  Australian Unity’s 2007 national Wellbeing Index Report, done in conjunction with Deakin University, reported that while both a partner and wealth are important for maintaining wellbeing, having a partner appears to be the most crucial. 

Relationships Australia believes that these results only further support our goal to encourage people to build stronger relationships to enhance the lives of individuals, families and communities. 

The results place emphasis on the importance of supportive relationships – people are more likely to feel healthier, happier and as these results show, improve satisfaction with our lives overall.

January 2008

If you have any enquiries about this information, please contact Relationships Australia's National Office: phone (02) 6285-4466 or email to natoffice@relationships.com.au.