Media Coverage
News Corp; November 18, 2025
New research shows millions of Aussie families can no longer afford to play sport or participate in other outdoor activities as costs now out of reach.
Sport and other recreational activities are now too expensive for millions of Australian families who can no longer afford to participate in activities.
Shocking new research revealed “play poverty” was affecting 7.6 million Australians who believe summer sport and play were now luxuries they could not afford.
Charity Good360 Australia conducted the research, finding more than one third of Australians worried cost of living pressures had forced more children and families to spend more time indoors instead of participating in organised activities.
The charity is Australia’s largest digital marketplace for retailers to donate unused and unsold items to people in need that are given to charities and disadvantages schools across the nation.
Good360 Australia head of government and philanthropy Susan Wallis said it was devastating that things so many people took for granted were outside the budget for too many Australians.
“One in seven Australians experiencing play poverty are unable to afford items to participate in sport or play,” she said.
“We’re not just talking about children, play is important for people of all ages, it is absolutely heartbreaking to be honest.”
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