Media Coverage
News Corp; September 23, 2025
Record numbers of vulnerable Australians are going without essential items as charities struggle to bridge a widening gap between donations and demand.
Languishing donations of essential household items are leaving Australia’s poorest without basic personal hygiene products and clothes, according to a new report.
A survey of more than 400 charities and disadvantaged schools across the country has revealed demand for essential non-food aid has spiked to record levels while donations have plateaued.
The imbalance has left vulnerable Aussies unsupported, with almost 70 per cent of charities flagging they don’t have the goods to meet community demand.
The annual survey – conducted by Good360, an organisation that connects charities with donated goods – saw a 15 per cent increase in the number of charities and schools seeking support compared to last year.
The organisation’s founder and managing director Alison Covington said while indicators had suggested the cost of living crisis may be easing, the demand on charities had ever been higher.
“Charities don’t feel that that’s the case in the communities where they’re working and they can see it’s going to last longer than it’s been speculated,” she said.
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