New research[1] reveals that more than a third of Australians (34%) say the cost-of-living crisis feels worse for them and their family than it did at the same time last year, with many forced to make impossible choices about affording everyday home essentials. The research, conducted by leading charity Good360 Australia, also highlights concerns about the future, showing that one in three (32%) do not expect their financial situation to improve over the coming year.
For many, the financial strain is not just about tightening budgets – it’s about having access to essential household items. One in five Australians (20%) have recently skipped buying clothing or shoes for themselves or their families because they cannot afford it. The same number (19%) have had to cut back on food or healthcare to afford home essentials or clothing. Alarmingly, one in seven (14%) say that the stress of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is negatively impacting their mental health and wellbeing.
Alison Covington AM, Founder and Managing Director of Good360, which redirects new, unsold goods to people in need Australia-wide, says action must be taken to help alleviate the burden of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis on vulnerable people and communities:
“Australians are making heartbreaking sacrifices just to keep their households running. This is more than just an economic issue, it’s a crisis affecting people’s quality of life, mental wellbeing and dignity. However, there are smart solutions for alleviating this crisis while also reducing unnecessary waste across the retail economy.”
The research highlights that people are looking to government and retailers to step up. Two in five Australians (39%) want the next Australian Government to make cost-of-living relief a top priority, with more than a quarter (27%) agreeing that governments should provide more support to ensure all Australians have access to home essentials. Many believe retailers should do more, with more than a third (34%) wanting businesses to donate unsold goods rather than letting them go to waste.
"Access to basic necessities is crucial for empowering our most vulnerable people, providing them with a sense of security, comfort and hope. This crisis requires a collective response to supporting struggling households,” Ms Covington added.
“We know that billions of dollars’ worth of unsold household essentials are wasted each year[2]. These are goods that can be efficiently redirected to charities and communities across the country to help people in need, now. Whether it’s greater government support for essential non-food aid, or retailers taking a smarter approach to redirecting surplus goods and reducing waste, there’s so much that can and should be done,” Ms Covington said.
Katie Page, CEO of Harvey Norman, a major partner of Good360 says: “Every home should be a place of comfort and dignity, but for many Australians, particularly people recovering from natural disaster or other crises, the basics are out of reach. Through our partnership with Good360, Harvey Norman has donated essential items like white goods, furniture and household appliances to help families create safe and comfortable homes. We’re proud to see how these donations provide not just practical support, but also a sense of security and hope. Good360’s model ensures these vital goods reach people who need them most.”
"We’re incredibly grateful for the support Good360 receives from Harvey Norman and our generous network of retail and corporate partners. Every week we distribute thousands of essential household items such as appliances, furniture, bedding, clothing and utensils to charities and disadvantaged schools across the country, but we need more support to meet the growing demand," said Ms Covington.
"By donating surplus goods, businesses and retailers have huge opportunity to provide relief to Australians doing it tough while also reducing waste. Together, we can ensure that every home has the essentials needed for a comfortable and dignified life."
If your organisation has surplus home essentials such as clothing, shoes or household items, you can play a vital role in helping people in need. Email Good360 at [email protected] or visit https://good360.org.au/impact-areas/home/ to learn more.
[1] Online survey of 1,000 Australians conducted in March 2025 by PureProfile on behalf of Good360 Australia
Key Facts:
Deloitte Access Economics estimates that $2.5 billion worth of brand-new, unsold household goods are wasted each year – essential items that could be donated to people in need.
About us:
About Good360 Australia: Good360 Australia is the largest digital marketplace in Australia for the retail industry to donate unused and unsold consumer goods to people in need. Good360 is a connector – we distribute millions of new, unsold consumer goods like clothes, homewares, computers, appliances, furniture, toiletries and toys that have been donated by around 600 partners, to a network of over 4,700 charities and disadvantaged schools across Australia supporting people in need. The result is a Circle of Good that reduces need and waste in our communities, helping both people and our planet. www.good360.org.au
Contact details:
Ben:
0431 180 161 / [email protected]
