CBM is a Christian charity organisation devoted to supporting people with disabilities living in poverty

CBM Australia works alongside people with disabilities in the world’s poorest places to fight poverty and exclusion, and transform lives.

Drawing on more than 115 years’ experience, we are values driven and work with the most marginalised in society to:

  • End the cycle of poverty and disability;
  • Treat and prevent conditions that lead to disability; and
  • Build inclusive communities where everyone can enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.

We work in more than 20 countries, investing in long-term, authentic partnerships with the disability movement and multiplying our impact by delivering a combination of inclusive community-based programs, health system strengthening, advocacy for national and global policy change, and inclusion advice to other organisations and governments.

A doctor doing an eye exam on a girl.

Our Vision and Mission

At CBM Australia, we have a vision for an inclusive world in which all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.

We are devoted to our mission to end the cycle of poverty and disability.

We do this because we are an international Christian development organisation.

Our Values

We strive for justice

We work for positive change, inspired by a vision of a just and equitable world. We will model justice and faithful love as Jesus did, serving those in greatest need, regardless of race, gender, age or religious belief.

  • I stand up for human rights.
  • I advocate for fairness and equality.
  • I work alongside people with disabilities to promote their rights.
  • I recognise and call out injustice.

We champion inclusion

We believe everyone is equal before God. We are passionate about working with people with disabilities to build a world in which all people are included, valued and respected.

  • I embrace diversity.
  • I acknowledge I can unintentionally contribute to exclusion.
  • I proactively educate myself and others about inclusion, modelling inclusive practice.
  • I ask people with disabilities specifically how they want to be included, and act accordingly.
  • I embrace and work respectfully with people of all faiths and none.

We embrace partnership

We achieve more when we work with others. We commit to partnership, listening and learning together. We collaborate creatively with partners, supporters, governments and colleagues to achieve lasting change.

  • I am an effective ally, guided by the disability movement’s objectives and priorities.
  • I value the expertise, contribution and commitment of all those we connect with.
  • I communicate honestly and respectfully, seeking to understand before being understood.
  • I collaborate, listen and learn with others.
  • I navigate problems and power dynamics with curiosity, empathy, compassion, and courage.

We pursue excellence

We are committed to achieving the greatest possible impact from the resources entrusted to us, attaining high quality in all our work. We challenge ourselves to constantly learn, innovate and improve.

  • I demonstrate leadership, considering opportunities and issues wider than my immediate responsibilities.
  • I overcome silos and ego to co-create integrated and sustainable solutions.
  • I contribute to equitable generation, use and sharing of knowledge.
  • I relentlessly prioritise the activities which will have greatest impact.
  • I hold safe space for myself and others to name problems, learn, innovate and evolve.

We live with integrity

We show God’s character by seeking to live by our values and fulfil our commitments. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters and those we serve, seeking to live authentically, responsibly and honestly.

  • I practise servant leadership, seeking what is best for our work.
  • I value our resources; I am a good steward of time, finances, relationships and environment.
  • I am responsible, reliable and consistent even when no one is watching.
  • I own my mistakes and am accountable for my commitments and actions.
  • I step up to difficult conversations and have the courage to initiate them.

At CBM we live out our values, which underpin our determination to end the cycle of poverty and disability.

Our values reflect the teachings and example of Jesus Christ who modelled and promoted inclusion and sought justice and dignity for those marginalised and excluded.

We affirm that all people are created equally in the image of God; we follow Jesus’s example of love, inclusion, justice and impartiality, and we work with all people irrespective of race, gender or spiritual beliefs.

CBM Australia Values with CEO Jane Edge

Find out more about our work