Rally call as SA wins grim top spot in nation’s child poverty stats
Tens of thousands of SA youngsters face a grim Christmas as latest data shows the state now has the highest percentage of children living in poverty in the country. UnitingSA tells how you can help “save Christmas”.
Latest data reveals there are now more than 70 000 South Australian children living in poverty and UnitingSA is sending out a rally call for help with rising demand for services.
The 2025 Child Poverty in Australia report paints a grim picture with SA named as having the highest percentage of children living in poverty in the country at 18.3 per cent.
UnitingSA is now calling on locals to help “save Christmas” for struggling families.
UnitingSA Senior Executive of Community Services Kirsty Wallman told InDaily that souring rent prices and an increased cost of living meant more people were living in poverty than ever.
“We’re seeing a really large increase in families coming along to see us – and it’s not the traditional people that used to come through the doors either, we’re seeing people that are working, and two parent households,” Wallman said.
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“Employment no longer guarantees financial stability. Nor does being a two-income family,” she added, naming rental stress as one of the main reasons families are struggling financially.
“So many of the people that are coming to see us are spending well over 30 per cent of their income on rent… it’s such a competitive market and the prices that are being charged are really unaffordable.”
Unaffordable rental prices and housing instability are key risk factors for families on the poverty line, Wallman added.
“When people are forced to move, they start from scratch… they lose that support network,” she said, citing the Uniting Families 2025 ‘It Takes A Village’ report.
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The report highlights how families without stable housing, secure income, or sufficient support face the greatest barriers to ‘maintaining their village’ – issues that are compounded by the rising cost of living.
This impacts not only struggling parents, but also their children, Wallman said.
“Kids are really intuitive, and they pick up on stressors easily. Theres a lot of hard data around about what growing up in poverty does to kids and the impact it has on their whole wellbeing – their physical, social and emotional development.”
How you can help
UnitingSA’s Christmas appeal is designed to be a beacon of hope for families living in poverty during Christmas, with donations of food hampers and Christmas presents reducing stress for parents on Christmas Day. UnitingSA also hosts a Christmas lunch for those who would otherwise go without a meal or be alone on Christmas Day.
Demand this year has already surpassed previous years, with many seeking out help over the Christmas period for the first time, Wallman said.
“Imagine kids waking up and not having any Christmas presents, or the stress that puts on the parents when kids are talking about everything they want for Christmas,” she said.
“We’ve already had 390 children referred to access our toy room and receive Christmas gifts.”
Gifts including financial donations, Christmas presents, and non-perishable food items are all welcome to be dropped off at 58 Dale Street, Port Adelaide, or online at unitingsa.com.au.
“We’ve got so many people coming through the doors and asking for assistance, so anything that people can give is really welcome,” Wallman said.
