Reading the recent Women’s Agenda article, we’re reminded of just how deeply the cost-of-living crisis is impacting mothers and families across Australia. In Australia, mothers experience a significant “motherhood penalty”—a 55% drop in earnings within the first five years of having a child, alongside increased unpaid care and housework. Many are left balancing rising childcare costs, reduced work hours, and long-term financial insecurity.
“Homelessness is no longer confined to the most vulnerable… With the housing crisis forcing working families into homelessness, this should be a wake-up call for action.”
Single mothers, in particular, are disproportionately affected. Over 80% of sole-parent households are headed by women, with many struggling to keep up with essentials like food, rent, and utilities. Add to this a cost-of-living crisis, and it’s clear how urgently many families need support. At Big Group Hug, we’ve witnessed this firsthand—48% of our recipients last year were single mothers. Put another way, out of the 4,226 requests for help we received, 2,023 of these came from single mothers, representing support for 3,672 children. These numbers highlight the immense challenges faced by single-parent households and the critical need for community support.
At Big Group Hug, we’re stepping in where it’s needed most. Every week, we provide hundreds of vital items such as clothing, nappies, formula, baby bottles, prams, cots, and toiletries to families experiencing hardship. These essentials might seem small, every day items that we can sometimes take for granted, but they can be the lifeline that allows a parent to focus on keeping their children safe, healthy, and thriving. For many families, this support makes a tangible difference in reducing financial stress and ensuring that no child has to go without the basics.
We don’t do this alone. Our work is powered by the generosity of our community—people like you who help keep our warehouse stocked and our doors open. Every item you give or action you take plays a vital role in helping vulnerable families through these challenging times.
Take action today to support children in need.
Whether it’s donating preloved items, volunteering your time, getting your workplace involved, or holding a fundraiser, your involvement directly helps children and families who need it most.
However you choose to give back, you’ll be contributing to the beating heart of Big Group Hug.
