Issuu

Opportunity International Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and recognises their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.

CONTENT WARNING: The Women’s Safety section of this report (page 19) discusses gender-based violence and trafficking, which some readers may find challenging.

Left: Hansa runs a snack stall in India. Read her story on page 13.

Cover: Rohanah lives with a disability and runs a successful business in Indonesia. Read her story on page 20.

About Opportunity International Australia

At Opportunity International Australia, we empower people living in poverty — especially women — to build sustainable small businesses, creating a ripple effect of transformation for millions of families and communities globally.

By providing small loans, training, and support, Opportunity’s unique entrepreneurial model helps them grow their own businesses and generate sustainable incomes, so they can lift themselves out of poverty with dignity.

Our model is smart, sustainable, and scalable. Once a loan is repaid, it is recycled and given to a new woman and family in need — creating a neverending cycle of generosity and a brighter future for generations to come.

To break the cycle of poverty for good, Opportunity also increases families’ access to healthcare and quality education.

The clients we work with have ambitious dreams for their futures and their families, but they simply lack the opportunities needed to make those dreams a reality.

Opportunity creates change, and change creates opportunity and impact.

Today, Opportunity International Australia serves more than 7.4 million hardworking families in Asia. We equip individuals experiencing poverty with the tools for resilience and change.

Founded by one of the world’s pioneers in microfinance and one of Australia’s leading social entrepreneurs, David Bussau, almost 50 years ago, Opportunity is the charity for those with an entrepreneurial head and heart — those who think and donate differently

Join us and imagine the opportunity.

Our Vision

A world in which all people have the opportunity to achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose.

Our Mission

By providing financial solutions and training, we empower people living in poverty to transform their lives, their children’s futures and their communities.

Our Motivation Our Values

We respond to Jesus Christ’s call to love and serve the poor. We seek to emulate the Good Samaritan, whose compassion crossed ethnic groups and religions. We serve all people regardless of race, faith, ethnicity or gender.

Commitment Humility

Respect Integrity

Sustainability

Transformation

Image: Bhikhiben is one of the millions of women supported through Opportunity’s microfinance program.

A message from our Chief Executive Officer

Scott Walters Chief Executive Officer

Opportunity International Australia

Reflecting upon the past year brings an overwhelming sense of thanks; thanks to our supporters, thanks to our staff, thanks to our Board of Directors, thanks to our local partners, and thanks to our great God for the blessing of having this life-changing work to do.

The year was marked by significant increases in the number of families we serve, greater depth in the impact we are making, and growth in fundraising. Significantly, we also launched a global health initiative that will, in the years ahead, provide much needed primary healthcare for women at the intersection of women’s empowerment and financial sustainability.

One of the features of 2024 for me was partnering with a new microfinance organisation in India, Avanti. They are a wonderful example of the evolution of the microfinance and financial inclusion business model to embrace more of a technological approach to poverty alleviation.

Their sophisticated application has been rolled out to many smaller microfinance organisations enabling them to onboard, support, and manage many more thousands of clients. Their aim is to support the next 100 million marginalised households in India.

A couple that I met through them was farming watermelons and based in Karnataka in southwest India. Their business had struggled until they were provided with support in the form of crop management, soil testing, seed quality, harvesting and getting their produce to market at a good price. And who knew that bees were so critical to successful watermelon farming?

In an increasingly volatile world, both geopolitically, and economically, our work to empower women living in poverty has never been more important. We will continue to innovate our microfinance initiatives as well as deepen and broaden our focus on health, a woman’s greatest asset.

Operating now in Bangladesh and Nepal, we continue to look for where the need is greatest and bring our innovative business model and capacity building and accompaniment to partners that are mission aligned.

My sincere thanks to all who have supported our team throughout the year. We look forward to reporting on another year of liberating, empowering programs in even more geographies in 2025.

With my sincere thanks and blessings,

Measuring Impact

The Microfinance Index, conducted by 60 Decibels in 2024, surveyed 1,905 clients from five of Opportunity’s local partners in India and Indonesia.

For the third consecutive year, findings highlight how small loans empower women living in poverty across Asia to achieve financial independence. Opportunity remains committed to assessing the impact of these loans and training programs to support clients effectively.

The survey revealed that 93 per cent of clients experienced improved quality of life, and 9 out of 10 reported increased income and better financial management

Additionally, three-quarters of clients reported eating higherquality meals, four out of five increased their savings, and nine out of 10 women gained confidence after receiving loans. Furthermore, four out of five clients reported reduced financial stress.

For the first time, the survey addressed the effects of climate change on small loan borrowers. One in four participants had experienced climate shocks, such as drought and rainfall, over the previous two years.

Many adapted by borrowing additional funds, selling assets, or seeking extra work. Encouragingly, a majority reported feeling better equipped to handle climate shocks due to the loans and associated services. Their understanding of climate resilience improved, and recovery times were shorter.

Opportunity’s partners exceeded global benchmarks in 17 of 20 indicators, showcasing their success in delivering meaningful impact. Overall, small loans and small businesses continue to prove effective in driving financial independence and enhancing resilience among vulnerable communities in Asia.

Image: Tara and her children’s lives have improved since receiving a small loan.

MICROFINANCE

7,486,818 families supported with small loans in total

6,055,905 in India

1,430,913 in Indonesia

HEALTH

768,849 people reached through health education in Asia

EDUCATION

47,158 families accessed School Fee Loans in Asia

8,925 schools used School Improvement Loans across Asia

WOMEN’S SAFETY

77,167 people trained through Safe Village Program in India

44,344 people reached by PeaceMakers

WHERE WE WORK

Opportunity’s vision has always been for a world where everyone can achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose.

In 2024, Opportunity International Australia supported programs across four countries in Asia, providing microfinance loans in India and Indonesia. Our Health program operates in India, Indonesia and Bangladesh and our Women’s Safety program runs in India. Opportunity EduFinance supported education loans in Pakistan, India and Indonesia.*

Microfinance Health Education Women’s Safety

*Opportunity International Australia is part of the global Opportunity Network, a leading provider and pioneer of socially-focused microfinance. We provide funding support to Opportunity International US to implement the education program in Asia.

INDIA

INDONESIA

BANGLADESH

PAKISTAN

With new partnerships in 2024, Opportunity’s microfinance program in India reached more than 7.4 million families with small loans.

Image:

Vali was able to earn an income and support her family with a sewing and dairy business in Gujarat, India.

Opportunity’s unique model creates a neverending cycle of generosity and a brighter future for generations to come. Opportunity’s vision has always been for a world where everyone can achieve a life free from poverty, with dignity and purpose. We do this through effective, government and industry-accredited programs that focus on empowering women to lead their families out of poverty, with:

• Small loans that help families start or grow their own small businesses and earn regular incomes

• Savings accounts to provide a secure way to save for the future

• Microinsurance that protects them against emergencies and financial shocks, money transfers, mobile transactions, payments and remittances

• Training and support.

As the economy in India grows, Opportunity is aligning our approach through our local partners to holistically address the financial services needs of people living in poverty.

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, yet 44 per cent of the population is living below the poverty line.

In May 2024, Opportunity International Australia, through Dia Vikas, partnered with Avanti Finance, a digital technology platform. Avanti’s mission is to enable sustainable livelihoods and empower the next 100 million households across the country through accessible and affordable financial services.

Avanti is currently focused on providing micro loans for women’s job and income generation that will help them create sustainable businesses, benefiting their children, families and communities for generations to come.

Opportunity continues to explore partnerships with mission-aligned partners who are also focused on building pathways out of poverty for the underserved, while delivering a positive impact in their lives.

Snack stall improves quality of life for family

There are few opportunities for work in Hansa’s village in the state of Gujarat, India. The family struggled financially before she was able to take out a loan. Her husband worked as a day labourer, but didn’t earn enough to provide for their basic needs. There are seven people in their small two-room house, with their three children and her parents-in-law living with them too.

“The quality of life was not good,” said Hansa.

“We could barely manage to earn Rs.5000-7000 per month (around A$92-$128). We struggled to manage food, medication, and other basic requirements for our family.”

With her first loan of around Rs.26,000 (A$477) in 2018, Hansa set up her business making samosas, farsan (traditional fried snacks) and sandwiches at her home. She used her loan to buy the ingredients and started to cook. Her delicious snacks were an instant hit.

Hansa has been able to expand her business with the support of subsequent loans to buy a bigger gas stove and a food stall. She set up her stall at the local market.

Through her hard work, the family’s income has nearly tripled, and Hansa is able to provide her three children, Dharmik (aged 15), Ravi (14), and Priti (13) with a better education.

“We are able to generate income and fulfil basic necessities of our family. Also, we are able to save some money for future,” said Hansa.

Hansa works hard and hopes to continue to grow her business, improve their home and build a better future for her family.

“We want to expand our food business to other localities and also buy a shop for selling our goods,” she said.

“We are now able to give better life to our family.”

Image: Hansa runs her snack stall at the local market, creating a steady income for her family.

Bathsheba’s sweet success

With six children to support – ranging in age from 20 to just one year old – Bathsheba and her husband farmed seaweed as their primary income source.

Farmed seaweed is an environmentally friendly crop with a long tradition in Indonesia, one of the largest producers globally. However, crops are seasonal, prices are volatile, and seaweed crops and equipment are susceptible to extreme weather events. This makes it hard for seaweed farmers to generate a sustainable income.

After a cyclone wiped out their crop in 2021, Bathsheba and her husband tried their hand at making palm sugar syrup to improve their income. With the help of a small loan from Opportunity’s local partner, they were able to buy supplies to get their business started.

They rise at 3am every day to avoid the hot sun – her husband climbs the palm trees to extract the sap in the cool of the morning.

He scales the trees with ease, reaching the top by placing his feet in small grooves cut into the trunk of the tree; a simple tool and bottle to collect the sap attached to a belt around his waist. Bathsheba cooks the sugar syrup, stirring the sap and reducing it down into a thick syrup. Once it has cooled, she bottles and sells the honey-coloured sugar syrup to families in her neighbourhood.

Their eldest son now runs the seaweed farming business, while the palm sugar business is now their primary source of income. They see a lot of potential to grow their sustainable production of palm sugar, and are focused on helping their children continue their education. “The money we are saving from selling the palm sugar will be enough for us to send our children to university,” said Bathsheba.

Image: Bathsheba has a successful palm sugar syrup business, thanks to a small loan.

Through our locally-led health programs in India, Bangladesh and Indonesia, 768,849 people were supported with health education in Asia.

In 2024, Opportunity’s health programs enabled Health Leaders to connect communities with telehealth, provided more family protection with Health Finance and supported mobile medical clinics, referrals and pop-up outpatient clinics. Last year, 2,689 families were reached through health insurance and 14,423 through teleconsultations.

Health program expands globally

In 2024, Opportunity International, as a global network, began the expansion of our health program to other regions such as Africa and South America and more countries in Asia. With our newly-appointed Head of Global Health, Annie Wang, Opportunity has been working with other member organisations in the UK, USA, Germany and Canada to roll out the health program to under-resourced communities.

Partnering with existing microfinance organisations, the program has an established framework to make it scalable and impactful. There is huge potential for innovation in the microfinance and financial inclusion sector to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.

Training recipients of small loans as Health Leaders in their communities has already proven successful in countries like India, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

Image:

Mobile medical vans are providing healthcare services in hard to reach areas of Bangladesh.

Mobile clinics bring healthcare to hard-to-reach areas

In partnership with local non-profit organisation Shakti Foundation, Opportunity launched a pilot of 11 mobile medical vans to take health services to marginalised and remote communities in Bangladesh.

In its first year, 30,484 people were able to access primary healthcare services, with a focus on girls’ and women’s health. Female Health Leaders were trained as medical attendants to deliver comprehensive care for rural communities, who live outside of the reach of traditional health services.

They provided crucial health services including medical consultations, digital prescriptions, medications and health products and maternal healthcare.

Education

In 2024, Opportunity International’s Education program, EduFinance, supported schools and families globally to provide quality education to those that previously could not afford it. To this day, more than 16 million children in 32 countries have received access to quality education.

EduQuality, a program of Opportunity EduFinance, launched in 2023 in Pakistan, is focused on affordable non-state schools.

EduQuality provides school leaders and teachers with professional development tools and resources to improve the quality of education. The program uses digital content and in-person training to help schools develop leadership, teaching and learning practices over three years.

In its first year, EduQuality has partnered with 150 schools across Punjab in Eastern Pakistan. The early results are promising, with school leaders embracing the structured support and training provided through the program to enhance school management, financial planning, and classroom instruction.

Through its comprehensive approach and commitment to building local capacity, EduQuality is paving the way for a more resilient and equitable education system, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and thrive.

A passion for learning

The Noor Grammar School, an affordable non-state school in Punjab, Pakistan, faced early challenges in school management, financial constraints, and teacher training. The school saw significant improvements after joining the EduQuality program, which provided the tools and support necessary for further development.

Before joining the program, Noor Grammar School struggled with maintaining positive relationships with families and effectively managing school finances. The school also lacked proper policies on child protection.

EduQuality’s School Leadership Professional Development workshops have been instrumental in turning things around. Through training on child protection policies and budget management, the school has created a safe, thriving environment for students and teachers, and has developed a one-year business plan to track and optimise financial performance.

Today the school has grown from 30 students to 170, with 13 teachers on staff.

“The teacher mentor training is a remarkable initiative,” said school owner Ms Sehrish. “In affordable private schools like ours, these opportunities for professional development are rare. The teacher mentors are now spreading their learnings to others, and we’ve noticed improved behaviour from students and better engagement from parents.”

Image:

The Noor Grammar School in Pakistan has seen improvement in student outcomes since participating in the EduQuality program.

Women’s Safety

Preventing gender-based violence and educating communities requires a whole of community approach. Men and women are equally as important in the prevention of violence.

In 2024, My Choices Foundation initiated training for male PeaceMakers to educate men in their communities about healthy relationships and detrimental social norms that perpetuate violence.

The objective is to have one male PeaceMaker per ten communities, collaborating with community leaders to drive positive change.

Linking health education and

gender-based

violence prevention

Opportunity International Australia is integrating gender-based violence prevention alongside health initiatives in partnership with our local partner in Chhattisgarh, India. In addition to providing community health education and facilitating access to health services, female Health Leaders are raising awareness about gender-based violence and supporting victimsurvivors through established pathways.

The supplementary content covers topics such as power and control, negotiation, communication, problem-solving, non-violent conflict resolution, intimate partner violence, and women’s rights. A mentor counsellor is also available to assist survivors navigate the local care system.

In October 2024, Health Leaders and the local project team received training on women’s safety materials, which will now reach 2,250 households. Learnings from the pilot will inform our approach to enhancing women’s safety across all health projects.

Educating students with disabilities on domestic violence prevention

People with disabilities, especially women, are disproportionately affected by domestic violence. As part of the Women’s Safety program, Opportunity’s partner in India, My Choices Foundation, delivered their first domestic violence prevention program for students with hearing and speech impairments.

At a school for students with disabilities, the program was delivered with the aid of a sign language interpreter, reaching those students who may have previously missed out on vital information. These programs will continue to be delivered to other schools for students with disabilities, as the connection to these communities strengthens their rights and helps give them a voice.

Opportunity is dedicated to strengthening the capacity of our microfinance and health partners in safeguarding, thereby integrating women’s safety into our approach to combat genderbased violence and protect women and their children. Insights gleaned from our partnership with My Choices Foundation will inform our strategy for enhancing women’s safety across all inclusive financial and health services.

Disability Equity and Rights

Opportunity International Australia is committed to eliminating poverty, discrimination, and exclusion to promote inclusive economic growth. We are enhancing the capacity of our financial and healthcare partners to promote innovation and disability inclusion within their institutions, thereby serving individuals with disabilities.

While approximately one in six people experience significant disabilities, individuals with disabilities comprise only 0.5 per cent of microfinance clients. Despite the strong correlation between poverty and disability, people with disabilities worldwide often encounter substantial barriers when accessing capital from banks to initiate businesses.

Self-help groups provide a powerful means for individuals with disabilities to collaborate, access capital, establish small businesses, receive peer support, and build sustainable livelihoods. Individuals with disabilities possess unique skills and abilities, and they have the right to equity in all aspects of life, including the right to earn a living and live a dignified life.

Rohanah takes charge of her own future

Despite losing a leg at a young age and facing discouragement from those around her, Rohanah has built a successful small business. More than 10 years ago, she took a small loan from Opportunity’s local partner in Indonesia to set up her food stall.

Image: Rohanah was able to create a successful food business with the help of a small loan.

This initiative supports individuals with disabilities in earning a living, accessing healthcare services and resources, and supporting their families. Nothing about us without us – Opportunity is dedicated to designing and improving accessible and inclusive financial and healthcare services by engaging women and people with disabilities in product/project cycle management.

Every morning, Rohanah rises at 2am to prepare nasi uduk, a traditional coconut rice dish, along with a variety of condiments, including fried chicken from her own farm, tempe, and bala-bala (vegetable fritters).

She has declined the government’s free housing renovation assistance, preferring not to be classified as living in poverty. Instead, she financed her home improvements through further loans, using group lending that does not require collateral.

Through her entrepreneurial efforts, she has achieved financial stability and funded her children’s education.

Today, they are employed and contribute to the family, demonstrating the powerful ripple effect one individual can have on their community.

“I use loans and business profits to secure my future, not for leisure,” said Rohanah.

“The loans help me grow my business — I’ve renovated my premises, bought two motorbikes, and used the profits to support my children’s education. I have managed to create savings and occasionally draw on them to further develop my business when needed.”

Image: Chandmuni runs a buffalo farm in India, started with a small loan.

Our Supporters

Opportunity International Australia is deeply grateful for the incredible generosity and support shown by our supporters in 2024. Your kindness has made a lasting impact, empowering individuals, families, and communities to build brighter futures. We couldn’t do this life-changing work without you.

Our amazing community has again showcased their creativity in fundraising, here are a just a few examples.

Christmas in July Fundraiser

In the depths of winter 2024, South Australian ambassadors Eric Lai and Graham Wakeling hosted a Christmas in July event with over 170 people in attendance, at Chinatown Plaza in Adelaide, with tasty Chinese food, disco tunes and live music.

The event made a huge impact for families living in poverty. Together over $12,000 was raised, enough to help Opportunity support 75 women and families across Asia with small loans.

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported Opportunity with their generosity, and to our wonderful South Australian ambassadors for helping organise such a great night for purpose.

Jeff tackles the Kokoda Track

In August 2024, long-time Opportunity supporter and ambassador Jeff Robson completed the demanding Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea to raise funds for Opportunity.

Jeff had always wanted to trek Kokoda, inspired by his grandfather and great uncle, both of whom served in World War II. The nine-day trek was as difficult and challenging as Jeff expected, with the majority of the 96km track extremely steep and treacherous, with constant mud and obstacles requiring intense focus. It was also very humid, but fortunately only rained at night.

Upon completing the journey, Jeff and his team were welcomed with a celebratory song and archway, marking the emotional end of their shared adventure. The experience brought relief, joy, admiration for past soldiers, and gratitude for the camaraderie that helped them overcome the challenge.

Jeff managed to raise more than $7,000 to support 40 women and families with small loans to help leave poverty behind. Well done Jeff!

Guests were treated to a delicious dinner and great entertainment at the Christmas in July fundraiser in Adelaide.

Jeff Robson on the Kokoda Track.

Trek for Opportunity

The Trek for Opportunity 2024 was once again a transformative journey in India and Nepal. Five dedicated Opportunity supporters embarked on this incredible adventure, raising over $40,000 to assist 250 families with small loans to escape poverty.

The adventure began in Darjeeling, India, on 18 October, with seven days of trekking in the Himalayas. Trekkers explored breathtaking mountain landscapes, returning nightly to their base camp in Tonglu. The final trekking day concluded in Chitrey, followed by a train ride to Varanasi.

In Varanasi, participants met families supported by Opportunity programs, witnessing stories of resilience and hope. Suggi, a mother of five daughters, shared her journey from homelessness to empowerment, supported by a small loan. Her successful pani puri (an Indian fried snack food) business now provides a stable home and education for her daughters.

The Trek for Opportunity is a chance to meet inspiring women like Suggi and achieve personal goals while making a lasting impact. A heartfelt thanks to Franca, Peter, Kate, Tamara and Rebecca for their remarkable efforts to change lives. You are truly inspiring!

Kieran Johnson (Opportunity), Peter, Rebecca, Franca, Kate and Tamara meet Rani, a small business owner in Varanasi.

AmplifiHER Course supports Opportunity

The Karuna Collective’s online leadership course, AmplifiHER, was run twice in 2024, with all profits supporting Opportunity International Australia. Designed to empower women, the four-week program offered participants tools to realise their potential while networking with likeminded individuals.

Founder and CEO Peta Taylor was inspired by Opportunity’s work providing microloans to women in poverty. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of microfinance in India and Indonesia, Peta launched The Karuna Collective in 2020 with a mission to foster economic independence and create lasting change.

In total, 34 women unlocked their full potential through the AmplifiHER course in 2024, and $10,000 was donated to Opportunity, enough to provide 62 small loans to women to change their lives. Thank you Peta and The Karuna Collective for your dedication and support. It is truly appreciated.

Peta Taylor, CEO of The Karuna Collective.

Stephanie Judd LLB BA (Hons I) GAICD

Director from August 2024

Stephanie Judd is a partner at Prolegis Lawyers, where she advises the philanthropic and charity sector. Prior to joining Prolegis, she worked in a major Australian law firm in the banking & finance team, with a focus on social finance and impact investment, before reading theological studies at the University of Oxford. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons I) from the University of Sydney, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Susan Overall Crozier BA (Hons), MBA

Susan Overall Crozier is Director/ Head of Innovation at a private Philanthropic Trust. Prior to that, she was a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company where she provided advice across the public and private sectors. She holds a BA (High Honours) in Economics and Global Health Policy from Harvard University, an MBA from UNSW, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has global experience in health policy, research, strategy, leadership development and education management spanning the US, UK, Tanzania and Australia.

Jai Sharma

M Prof Ethics, BA (International Relations) Director from June 2024

Jai Sharma is the General Manager of SDG Capital, a funding and capital advisory business supporting nonprofits clients. Jai is a seasoned impact investment specialist with a career spanning superannuation, funds management and social entrepreneurship. A serial social entrepreneur, Jai has started and exited multiple mission driven startups and has advised a number of prominent social enterprises and impact investment funds globally. In 2010, Jai founded a small but pioneering rescue and rehabilitation program for vulnerable girls in North India. He has a Masters in Professional Ethics (UNSW) and a BA (International Relations/ Development) from The Australian National University (ANU).

Christina Wilson

GAICD, BEng (Chem) Director from November 2019

Christina Wilson is the Chief People & Sustainability Officer for Team Global Express, a leading logistics solutions company, where she leads the People, Safety and ESG teams. Prior to that she was at Russell Reynolds, a leading executive recruitment and leadership advisory firm, where she led the Industrial and Natural Resources businesses helping C-suite leaders manage organisational transformation. Christina has more than 20 years of global leadership experience in transformation, strategy, customer experience, sales, marketing and operations. She was previously Global Head of Marketing, Customer Centricity & Insights at Toll Holdings, and held senior leadership roles with Origin Energy and General Electric Australia.

David Bussau AM

David Bussau AM is a pioneer of microfinance, having cofounded the Opportunity International Network. He now provides consultancy services to governments, multinationals and other organisations. David was awarded the Ernst & Young Australian Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003, the ACFID Human Rights Award in 2006, the Beta Gamma Sigma Award for Entrepreneurship in 2007 and was also named Senior Australian of the Year 2008.

Walter Lewin (Chair)

Chair of Opportunity International Australia – see Board of Directors for his bio.

Hon John Anderson AC

Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the National Party of Australia 1999-2005, Member for Gwydir NSW 1989-2005 and now farmer and grazier in northwestern NSW.

Malcolm Broomhead AO

Chair of Orica Limited, Director of Walter Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research. Former Director of BHP Group Limited, former Chair of Asciano Limited, and former Director of Coates Hire Group. Former Managing Director and CEO of Orica, and North Limited.

Peter Cadwallader

Executive Chair of the Intercontinental Shipping and Investment Group, Patron and former Chair of Many Rivers Microfinance Ltd and former Director of Opportunity.

Greg Hutchinson AM

Chairman of Centre for Social Impact, Trustee The Nature Conservancy (Australia), former Partner Bain & Company, former Director Paul Ramsay Foundation, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Brandenburg Foundation, Workplace Giving Australia, Goodstart Early Learning, Bell Shakespeare, Centre for Social Impact and Women’s Community Shelters.

Michael Kasprowicz

Director of Bulls Masters Pty Ltd, previously Non-executive Director of Cricket Australia and former Board Member of the DFAT-appointed Australia India Council.

Edward (Ted) Kerr OAM

Former Chair and Director of Opportunity International Australia, former Director Workplace Giving Australia Limited and former Partner of Mallesons Stephen Jaques (now King & Wood Mallesons).

Andrew Tyndale

Head of Property at Wesley Mission, Chair of SEED Futures, former Chair of Payton Capital, Opportunity International Australia, Bupa Aged Care ANZ, The Funding Network and Library For All.

Joanna White

Former Chair (2018-2023) and Director (2011-2023) of Opportunity International Australia. Director of Mission Australia, Green Eco Technologies, FC Capital and FC Funds Management.

Opportunity would like to thank and acknowledge the service of former Council members, Carolyn Hewson AO and Dr Timothy Wright AM, who stepped down in 2024.

Image: Suharni built her dried fish business in Indonesia, thanks to a small loan.

Where the funds come from

Definition:

Illustrates the source of cash inflow as a percentage of total cash inflows (excluding maturing term deposits of more than three months to maturity).

Analysis:

Cash inflows from the repayment of maturing loans from partners ($5,807,000) and the sale of ESAF and NESFB/RGVN investments ($3,604,000).

Cash from other income decreased to $2,548,000 (2023: $2,815,000) reflecting the use of capital in the minority buyback and the investments made.

Cash from donations and bequests decreased slightly to $5,431,000 (2023: $5,499,000), a pleasing outcome considering the impact of the cost of living on discretionary donations.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade grant decreased to $1,476,000 (2023: $1,972,000).

How funds are put to use

Definition:

Illustrates where cash was spent as a percentage of the total cash outflows (excluding investment in term deposits of more than three months to maturity). The accountability and administration costs are costs associated with the overall capability of the Group, not able to be directly allocated to either fundraising or program activities. It also includes working capital management movements. The accountability and administration costs are critical in ensuring our complex investments are well managed and governed.

Analysis:

$15,168,000 (2023: $11,876,000) or 87% (2023: 76%) of cash outflows was spent on programs-operations which includes funds to international programs, loans and capital injections, working capital movements, tax payments (associated with prior year’s investment sales) program support costs and community education activities.

For information on Opportunity International Australia’s governance, please visit https://opportunity.org.au

The proportion spent on fundraising has increased to $1,973,000 (2023: $1,839,000). Funds expended on Accountability and Administration decreased to $294,000 (2023: $1,405,000) primarily reflecting the commencement of allocating asset management costs to the asset manager.

Total consolidated revenue from ordinary activities was $10,558,000 (2023: $10,597,000).

Total fundraising revenue (including bequests and government grants) is $6,907,000 (2023: $7,470,000).

Consolidated operating expenses (including grants to international programs but excluding foreign exchange losses/gains, finance charges and impairment expenses) increased by 3% to $9,657,000 (2023: $9,342,000). The small increase in operating expenses was the result of more resources being applied to client facing activities.

The consolidated operating loss from ordinary activities was $5,263,000 (2023: surplus $13,105,000). The movement in operating income was primarily driven by the tough operating conditions our India microfinance partners encountered. Lending and consequently book growth was constrained as the market digested the effects of a constrained credit market. The tight credit market also increased the provisioning required. These conditions impacted our new investment, Avanti Financial Services, which resulted in an impairment being made.

Over the years, donor funds have been sent to our implementation partners as equity, debt or grants. Grants are expensed in the year they are sent to the field. However, funding by equity or debt is recorded as an asset and requires ongoing management. During 2024, the Group provided equity, loans and funds to international programs totalling $13,132,000 (2023: $9,540,000). The increase was predominantly due to more expense grants and program support coupled with an expansion in partner equity investment.

The Group also increased its program support and community education costs to $2,125,000 (2023: $2,022,000). Total programs investment outflows was offset to some extent by the repayment of loans by our partners amounting to $5,807,000 (2023: $1,664,000)

Statement of Changes in Equity

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the members of Opportunity International Australia Limited

Report of the Independent Auditor on the Summary Financial Statements Opinion

The summary financial statements, which comprise the summary statement of financial position as at 31 December 2024, the summary income statement, summary statement of changes in equity and summary cash flow statements for the year then ended, and related notes, are derived from the audited financial report of Opportunity International Australia Limited (the ‘Entity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

In our opinion, the accompanying summary financial statements are consistent, in all material respects, with the audited financial report, in accordance with the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct.

Summary Financial Statements

The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Australian Accounting Standards. Reading the summary financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report and the auditor’s report thereon. The summary financial statements and the audited financial report do not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to the date of our report on the audited financial report.

The Audited Financial Report and Our Report Thereon

We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited financial report in our report dated 23 April 2025.

Other Information

The directors are responsible for the other information. Other information is financial and non-financial information in Opportunity International Australia’s summary financial statements which is provided in addition to the summary financial statements and this Auditor’s Report.

Our opinion on the summary financial statements does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the Summary Financial Statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is

materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for the preparation of the summary financial statements in accordance with ACFID Code of Conduct.

Auditor’s responsibilities on the Summary Financial Statements

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the summary financial statements are consistent, in all material respects, with the audited financial report based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements .

BDO Audit Pty Ltd

Dane Perumal Director

Sydney, 12 May 2025

Corporate Partners

Thank you to our Corporate Partners for their support.

Opportunity International Australia is grateful to the Australian Government for $1,476,000 granted in 2024 through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) to support Microfinance in Indonesia, Women’s Safety programs in India, and Health programs in India, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Opportunity International Australia is an ACFID Member and is committed to full adherence to the ACFID Code of Conduct.

Opportunity International Australia receives support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

Opportunity International Australia is an ACNC Registered Charity.

Opportunity International Australia is a member of the Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC). The ADDC is a network of agencies, organisations and individuals with an interest in disability-inclusive development within Australia and internationally.

Image: On behalf of the women we serve, thank you to all our wonderful supporters.