Celebrating the Referral Partners Who Support Families Every Day
For International Women’s Day this year, Big Group Hug had the privilege of hosting a special morning tea to celebrate the case workers who make our work possible.
Every day, these professionals act as the bridge between Big Group Hug and the families we support. They are often the first to see when a child or family needs practical help; whether that’s clothing, nappies, a pram, a cot, or other essential items. Through their referrals, we’re able to respond quickly and ensure children have what they need to feel safe, supported, and included.
This event was our way of saying thank you.
Recognising the women behind the families we support
The theme for International Women’s Day this year, Balancing the Scales, felt particularly relevant to the work we see every day.
At Big Group Hug, 91% of the families referred to our service are led by women; mothers and carers doing their best to navigate incredibly difficult circumstances. These women are often balancing multiple pressures; financial hardship, housing instability, family violence, caring responsibilities, and the everyday costs of raising children.
Referral Partners play a critical role in supporting them – social workers, maternal health nurses, family violence practitioners, housing workers, and community support teams advocate for these families and help connect them with practical services like Big Group Hug when essential items are needed.
When a Referral Partner reaches out to us, it’s because they have identified a need that will make an immediate difference for a child. By providing clothing, baby equipment, school supplies, and other essentials, we can help ease some of the pressure families are facing.
The morning tea was an opportunity to pause and recognise the care, persistence, and professionalism these workers bring to supporting families every day.
A space to connect and share
The event brought together Referral Parters from a range of organisations who regularly partner with Big Group Hug. It created space to connect, share experiences, and talk about the realities families are currently facing.
For some attendees it was also an opportunity to learn more about how our service works, what items we can provide and how we collaborate with professionals across the community sector to support children.
We are always keen to connect with case workers, social workers, and community organisations who may not yet be familiar with our service. If you work with families experiencing hardship and need practical support for a child, we encourage you to reach out and learn more about how Big Group Hug can help.
The power of corporate partnerships
Events like this are only possible thanks to the generosity and commitment of our corporate partners. We are incredibly grateful to our event sponsor GO Salary for supporting the morning tea, and shared insights with attendees, along with Mortgage Choice Charitable Foundation. Their continued partnership helps strengthen the network of organisations working together to support families and children in our community.
Corporate partnerships play a critical role in enabling Big Group Hug to deliver our work. Through financial support, advocacy, and collaboration, businesses help us expand our reach and respond to the growing need we are seeing across the community.
Our sincere thanks also go to Cucina No. 5 for hosting us in their wonderful space and providing the delicious morning tea spread that everyone enjoyed.
We are also grateful for our wonderful partners AIWIBI, who generously provided beautiful goodie bags for guests to take home.
Supporting the people who support families
At Big Group Hug, we often talk about the families and children who receive support through our service. But behind every referral is a dedicated professional advocating for that child. By recognising and supporting Referral Partners, we strengthen the entire system of care around families.
International Women’s Day gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate the people helping to balance the scales every day; supporting women, children, and families through challenging circumstances.
To all the Referral Partners who work alongside us – thank you for the work you do, and for trusting Big Group Hug to be part of the support you provide to families.
Are you a case worker or community professional supporting families who need practical help for children?
Big Group Hug provides essential items for children from newborn to 16 years through referrals from professionals. If you would like to learn more about how our service works, we would love to hear from you.
You can help balance the scales
As we reflect on the theme of balancing the scales, we’re reminded that meaningful change happens when communities come together. The families supported through Big Group Hug are working hard to regain stability, often while navigating enormous challenges. From now until 10pm 18 March on Double Donation Day, every contribution will be matched, doubling the support we can provide to children and families who need it most. It’s a powerful opportunity to help balance the scales — ensuring more children have the essentials they need to feel safe, supported and included.
