Australians are struggling more than ever this Christmas Recent national research commissioned by The Salvation Army shows:
- 21% of Australians are concerned their children will miss out on presents
- Over 4.2 million people (19%) will go without food to afford Christmas
- 1 in 5 will sacrifice medical treatment and essential bills
- 10.8 million Australians (49%) are worried about how they will afford Christmas
- 1 in 10 children (11%) are at risk of going hungry
- 1.7 million Australians (8%) will reach out to a charity this Christmas — half for the first time
MEDIA CALL
Salvos highlight hidden cost of Christmas at a free Brisbane Christmas Community Lunch - Saturday 13 December 2025
New research from The Salvation Army reveals millions of Australians will be going without food, medical care, and even connection with their children this Christmas. Brisbane Salvos are calling on the community to rally behind those doing it tough.
This Saturday at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Bank, The Salvation Army will host a festive community event to support nearly 500 people in need, with media invited to attend for interviews and impactful vision opportunities.
The event will include:
- Christmas assistance for families who would otherwise go without presents
- Festive food and community connection, showcasing local support
- Interviews with Salvation Army spokespeople and families willing to share their stories
- Opportunities for colourful, family-friendly vision as the local community comes together
The feature of the annual Salvation Army Community Christmas lunch at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is
- All Chefs, kitchen staff, waiters and waitresses donate their time to serve a three-course hot Christmas lunch which for many in the room may be the only one they have this festive season.
- Food is donated by suppliers to BCEC
- Christmas carols are played & sung
- Santa visits and presents from BCEC are given to all attendees
- Volunteers and staff from the Salvos do what society has come to rely on them for - support and care for those who are doing it tough.
For a few hours the room was filled with joy and an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness.
Australians are struggling more than ever this Christmas Recent national research commissioned by The Salvation Army shows:
- 21% of Australians are concerned their children will miss out on presents
- Over 4.2 million people (19%) will go without food to afford Christmas
- 1 in 5 will sacrifice medical treatment and essential bills
- 10.8 million Australians (49%) are worried about how they will afford Christmas
- 1 in 10 children (11%) are at risk of going hungry
- 1.7 million Australians (8%) will reach out to a charity this Christmas — half for the first time
“Behind every statistic is a real person, a real story, and a real struggle,” said Rendle Williams. “We are seeing heartbreaking choices between medication, utilities, food, and giving children even a small sense of joy on Christmas morning. We’re asking Brisbane to stand with us, so no one is left behind this Christmas.”
Event Details:
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre / Plaza Terrace
Date: Saturday 13 December 2025
Time: 11:30 for 12noon – 2 pm
Media Interviews & Vision Available: Rendle Williams, Media & Government Relations
0425 242789
The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Appeal aims to raise $29 million to support people facing hardship during the festive season — through gifts and toys, Christmas meals, and vital services including homelessness support, family and domestic violence support, and financial counselling.
To be the hope this Christmas, please donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal by visiting salvationarmy.org.au or calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). You can also make donations at any Salvos Store.
ENDS
For more information, please contact The Salvation Army’s Media Relations Department on (02) 94663143
*A Pureprofile survey for The Salvation Army surveyed 2,005 people in a nationally representative sample size and this has been extrapolated to reflect the general Australian population. Extrapolated numbers are based on the estimated Australian population aged 18 and older, 22,189,796 based on ABS data as seen here https://www.ibisworld.com/australia/bed/population-aged-18-and-older/15015/
** The Salvation Army, Christmas data summary report September 2025
Contact details:
Rendle Williams, Media & Government Relations QLD The Salvation Army
0425 242789