Help communities in need thrive with the joy of play

Good360 connects items in four areas of impact: Education, Home, Hygiene and Play.

Play is vital at every age, supporting emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. But for many vulnerable communities, financial hardship creates barriers to accessing even the simplest play essentials, leading to play poverty. Good360 Australia is working to change that by connecting these play essentials with families, fostering connection, confidence, and joy.

The Facts

1 in 7

Over 3.8 million Australians are experiencing play poverty.

1 in 3

Australians believe the ‘Aussie
summer of sport’ is under threat because too many families can’t afford to take part

7 million

Australians (27%) are worried about being able to afford Christmas presents for their family in 2025.

3 million

Australians (12%) say that challenges affording play items/activities have impacted their family’s emotional well-being.

1 in 5

Australians are concerned that this Christmas will be the toughest in years for their family.

170,000

Individuals so far in 2025 have been supported with brand-new play items.

*Play Poverty In Australia: Impact Report November 2025

What is play poverty?

Play poverty is the lack of access to play resources, including sports equipment, toys and games, music and craft supplies, due to financial hardship.

Play poverty affects children and adults alike, limiting their ability to engage in vital play activities that nurture creativity, social skills, and mental well-being.

In Good360’s ‘Play Poverty In Australia’ 2025 Report, we explore the extent of play poverty in Australia and how living without play essentials affects Australia’s most vulnerable communities. This report also looks at the Aussie summer of sport and the communities becoming increasingly priced out due to rising costs. Good360 works with our charity and donor network to connect brand-new play items to vulnerable communities, but there is still much to be done.

Creating impact with play essentials

$ 0

Goods back into
the circular economy (RRP)

Australians in need supported

New items connected
to people in need

0 T

Goods prevented from
going to waste

Impact @ December 2025

How Lack of Play Affects Wellbeing

Play is critical for learning and development. It builds children’s physical, cognitive, and social skills, helping them use language, solve problems, and collaborate. For adults, play is just as important for sparking creativity, easing stress, and strengthening resilience.

When children and adults miss out on opportunities for play, they may find it hard to fully participate in daily life. The absence of play can lead to feelings of exclusion, isolation, and even shame, impacting mental health and overall well-being.

What does this look like? It could be a child avoiding school to escape feeling left out during recess, or a family unable to join local activities because they can’t afford sports gear. Over time, these barriers to play can have lasting effects on personal development, social connectedness, and mental wellness.

Our community partners keep the circle turning

Real stories, real impact

Kid's LEGO Club

We hold a regular Kids Club for vulnerable kids in K-6 in our local community. We provide activities and dinner, but this event was super special because we built LEGO that the kids were able to take home.

One mum says that her kids have been coming to The Salvos Kids Club ever since we connected with the local Salvos after receiving help one Christmas, “Now we try and come to all the community events they hold, but this was is extra special because of the LEGO! My kids love LEGO; however, this isn't something I can afford as a single mum on a low income, so what a treat. Thank you.”

The Salvation Army Wollongong Corps

Kitted Up and Ready to Play

Thanks to the generous support of Good360, our Soccer Stars program can provide brand-new football socks to young people who need them most. Many of our participants come from families who can’t afford the costs of club soccer, so being able to join without any financial burden makes a huge difference.

For some, this was their very first pair. Combined with the shin pads we already provide, this means every child can play confidently, safely, and comfortably.

St Vincent de Paul Society QLD

Toys for Families in Crisis Accommodation

The Uniting housing team support families while they are in crisis accommodation who have either had to leave housing due to family violence or been evicted from there previous housing. The housing team have set up activity bags for the children which include toys, colouring books and small things to keep their minds busy during their stay. We included packs of LEGO in the activity bags we are preparing for the children. The bags also contain colouring books, Play-Doh, reading books, and small toys.

One client said, “I would like to thank Uniting for being able to provide some toys for my child while we are in crisis accommodation. As we have had to leave the house with nothing but a suitcase, this has allowed my daughter to be able to focus and play with toys that she wasn't able to take with her.”

Uniting VIC.TAS

Help us fight play poverty

Your business can make a real difference. By donating brand-new goods and services, you’ll help ensure children and families have access to the power of play. We welcome excess or aging stock, returns, items with minor faults, or purposeful giving.

We accept all non-food goods; our most urgent play needs include:

Toys and Games

Board games and puzzles

Building blocks and construction toys

Dolls and action figures

Toy cars, trucks and trains

Play sets (kitchen, doctor, tool kits, etc)

Pretend play and dress-up items

Sports & Outdoor

Bikes, scooters and skateboards

Helmets and protective gear

Outdoor play sets and equipment