Big Group Hug has been named a finalist in the Excellence in Social Impact – Presented by Victoria University category at the 30th Annual Wyndham Business Awards 2026.
The recognition comes at an important time for our organisation and for the Wyndham City community, where demand for practical support for children and families continues to grow.
The Wyndham Business Awards celebrate local businesses, organisations, entrepreneurs and leaders who contribute to the strength, innovation and wellbeing of the Wyndham community.
For Big Group Hug, being recognised alongside other leading Wyndham businesses is an opportunity to highlight the growing need for material aid across Melbourne’s western suburbs, and the role our Tarneit Hub is playing in responding to that need.
Big Group Hug's growing impact in Wyndham
Big Group Hug is a grassroots children’s charity providing free material aid to children and families experiencing hardship. Through a network of more than 1,500 health and welfare professionals, we provide essential items including clothing, toiletries, nappies, baby equipment, and other everyday necessities.
Our Tarneit Hub, supported by Wyndham City Council, has become an increasingly important part of this work.
In the year ended 30 June 2026, Big Group Hug received 4,414 requests for material aid, an increase of 9% compared with the previous period. Those requests represented 8,619 children, a 12% increase in the number of children needing support.
The demand is also increasingly coming from Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Since opening our Tarneit Hub, the location has grown to service 22% of all Big Group Hug requests, compared with 12% in financial year 24/25, with Tarneit itself was among the suburbs with the highest number of requests, alongside Wyndham Vale.
This data tells us something important: the need for practical support is growing, and the western suburbs are becoming an increasingly significant part of that demand.
Why the Tarneit hub matters
Opening a dedicated Big Group Hug Tarneit Hub in January 2024 allowed us to respond more effectively to families and support workers across Wyndham and surrounding communities.
It has also become the home of FutureFIT, a workforce readiness program in partnership with Big Group Hug and Ready Set, designed to support young people aged 15–24 as they take their first steps into employment.
By having a local presence in Tarneit, we can make it easier for donated goods to reach families where they are needed.
A recognition of community impact
The Excellence in Social Impact category recognises organisations making a meaningful contribution to their community. For Big Group Hug, that impact is made possible by the people and organisations who contribute to our work every day.
We are particularly proud to be recognised in a region where our work is growing rapidly and where the need for support is becoming increasingly evident.
Celebrating 30 years of Wyndham business
The 2026 Wyndham Business Awards mark three decades of recognising the businesses and organisations helping shape the local community.
As demand continues to grow, so does the importance of having strong local partnerships and a connected community response.
The need is growing, but our reach is growing with it. And our Tarneit Hub is helping us be there for more children and families when they need practical support most.
