In a nation celebrated for its sun-kissed beaches and laid-back lifestyle, a sombre reality lurks beneath the surface, often unnoticed until captured in a single, powerful image.

A recent photograph taken at Martin Place in the heart of Sydney's Central Business District has done just that, laying bare the grim reality thousands of Australians face amid a relentless cost-of-living crisis.

The image, which has since become popular, showed a long queue of individuals waiting patiently for a hot meal provided by a local charity.

This scene, once an anomaly, became a regular sight in cities across the country, from Sydney to Melbourne's inner west suburb of Footscray.

SWAG Family Sydney, led by President Ricky Herrera, is one of the charities leading this battle.

The dire cost of living crisis was revealed as charities struggled to meet demand. Credit: Ricky Herrera / Facebook

They feed hundreds weekly, with additional food stations in Liverpool and Wollongong. But the queues are growing, and the faces are changing.

‘What I'm seeing now, I've never seen before,’ Mr Herrera said.

‘More mothers and kids sleeping in cars. We've got [the] elderly sleeping in cars.’

The distressing reality doesn't end with food scarcity. Mr Herrera's charity receives an extra 160 calls from individuals desperate for basic necessities.

‘We've noticed an increase in people that actually have somewhere to live coming out just for food because after paying the rent, electricity, and say the phone bill, they've got nothing left for shopping,’ he said.

A social media video showcasing volunteers distributing food and essentials to those in need has brought further attention to the issue.

Mr Herrera frequently checks on individuals sleeping on the streets at night multiple times weekly to see if they require any supplies.

He mentioned that an increasing number of people are reaching out to him to express that they feel hopeless and unable to find a way out of their current situations.

‘We've got people that are depressed, suicidal. I get calls every night from people that are just ready to give up. I'm running out to the city at 2 am/3 am in the morning,’ he explained.

Charities throughout Australia are witnessing similar sights with long lines of people.

Randa Beirouti, founder of Reaching Out, a charity serving Melbourne's inner west, noted that this has become the new normal.

‘Yes, this is a normal queue. Our numbers have grown exponentially,’ she said.

The charity operates a stall every Monday at 5:30 pm, offering essentials such as clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to those in need.

According to recent data from Anglicare Australia, housing affordability has plummeted to an all-time low. Only 0.6 per cent, or 289 out of over 45,000 rental listings, were deemed affordable.

Kasy Chambers, the executive director of Anglicare Australia, stated that affordable housing is no longer attainable in Australia.

‘The housing crisis is the worst it's ever been. This is not hyperbole. It is Australia's new normal,’ she stated.

A recent report identified Sydney as the second most unaffordable city globally for homebuyers, following Hong Kong.

Melbourne and Adelaide were also placed within the top ten for housing unaffordability.

In related news, more Australians turned to charities for the first time because of the cost of living crisis.

The Salvation Army reported a big rise in new people needing their help, struggling to pay for basics like housing, food, and utilities. Read more about this story here.

Key Takeaways

• A photo highlighted the grim situation for many Australians struggling due to the cost of living crisis, with long queues at charity food and clothing distribution points.
• SWAG Family Sydney president Ricky Herrera shared concerns over the increasing number of people in need, including those who have homes but cannot afford other essentials.
• Charities across Australia have witnessed a surge in service demand.
• A recent report identified Sydney as the second least affordable city in the world for housing.

Have you noticed similar scenes in your community? What can be done to help those struggling in these tough economic times? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

[Gsr]

Has anybody witnessed the "clientele" at such charity distribution points? When I was living in Dandenong, Victoria, the huge majority of recipients were of Muslim heritage, standing in line playing with their latest iPhones while smirking at non Muslim people. When they collected their goods, some departed in their latest model $150000 BMW X7 or similar.

So much for charities supplying the homeless, unemployed and financially disadvantaged! Just give it all to rich pigs as mentioned.

I have not noticed this, but I have heard of it happening even in my town, where people who don’t need the help are lining up to get it. It is a shame the charities can’t decline help to such people. There are always unscrupulous people of every nationality who think they are entitled and don’t hesitate to basically steal the food out of the needy people’s mouths because they have no conscience and don’t care about anybody but themselves.

 

[Jennylolo]

I think it would be happening whichever government was in and they are very slow to come up with solutions. Heartbreaking for those desperately in need.

totally agree.

 

[Jennylolo]

Stop giving out to other countires first before housing and feeding our own? It's not being harsh on other countries, but really does anyone else help our desperate and needy. A little handout now and then puts food in bellies, and clothing and blankets give warmth, but stop bringing in migrants as well. Help her own first before extending a hand beyond please. Simply should not be happening here.

 

[Knell]

Has anybody witnessed the "clientele" at such charity distribution points? When I was living in Dandenong, Victoria, the huge majority of recipients were of Muslim heritage, standing in line playing with their latest iPhones while smirking at non Muslim people. When they collected their goods, some departed in their latest model $150000 BMW X7 or similar.

So much for charities supplying the homeless, unemployed and financially disadvantaged! Just give it all to rich pigs as mentioned.

I am sure that are plenty of atheists there as well.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I am sure that are plenty of atheists there as well.

I fit that description.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I have not noticed this, but I have heard of it happening even in my town, where people who don’t need the help are lining up to get it. It is a shame the charities can’t decline help to such people. There are always unscrupulous people of every nationality who think they are entitled and don’t hesitate to basically steal the food out of the needy people’s mouths because they have no conscience and don’t care about anybody but themselves.

Here's an idea! To obtain such charity you must furnish a Health Care Card as proof of unemployment or disability. Go as far as to require photo identification so you cannot impersonate the name on the Health Care Card.

Some Federal and State Government funded charities and community centres adopt this measure. It serves to keep those from "out of town" going from suburb to suburb, fleecing such centres for all it's worth, possibly for monetary gain.

 

[Knell]

Stop giving out to other countires first before housing and feeding our own? It's not being harsh on other countries, but really does anyone else help our desperate and needy. A little handout now and then puts food in bellies, and clothing and blankets give warmth, but stop bringing in migrants as well. Help her own first before extending a hand beyond please. Simply should not be happening here.

Does this include UK and NZ immigration?

 

[what]

It shouldn't be happening in Australia. This is so sad . Whatever happened to us being the Lucky Country?

Dreadful Politicians!!

 

[Miss Chris]

Does this include UK and NZ immigration?

Always supposing that this could be achieved…..I’d like to see a total ban on immigration for a designated period of time…..address the problem issues that are like a plague infecting more and more people every day. There is no dignity in being homeless and in despair for their future and the future of their children……..Australia cannot be called a first world country while its economy does not allow for at least adequate food, shelter, and a place to call home for the needy and the elders in our communities…Not everyone can afford to donate to the increasing number of charities………..It would be nice to see some of our taxes used directly for the betterment of our societies needy, instead of the betterment of other countries needy….Fix our country first and then it’d be okay to help other ones……Going back to the beginning, curb immigration totally for a couple of years and give Australia a breather….

 

[marni]

600 million dollars given to PPNG to fund a sports Team. How many small homes would this have built in Australia. How many people would it have helped?
It’s an absolute disgrace.

It was a sweetener so they would not be beholding to China who is verrry interested in PNG. So many reasons to keep them on side. Maybe if previous labour governments were less generous to young non workers we would now have a workforce that would be able to build and provide for those less needy

 

[Cyberchook]

The Gov brings in thousands of migrants every year we don’t have housing, for the people already here ! I read the other day there would be so many houses built by 2044 ! All us oldies will probably be dead by then and won’t need them.
It’s bloody disgraceful that all previous governments didn’t plan ahead for this !
The LUCKY Country is going to be a third world country if governments don’t get their act together soon. Families and old people living in cars and tents ! It’s unbelievably disgraceful !!! There is nothing Lucky about Australia right now.

The high numbers of people immigrating here daily by the current government are just ridiculous as now there are more unskilled persons arriving to add to the lines of the disillusioned and a step closer to 3rd-Western world poverty. We on this site are ( I hope) the fortunate ones. We have a roof, we have our general comforts and sufficient food and comforts and do feel for those who don't. I comprehend the 'political reasons' but there are skilled people here and more effort should be implemented to offer and encourage our school leavers in all needed trades a better-paid apprenticeship (partly paid by the government not all by the employer) not adding more to our population through immigration, as current circumstances are not going to cease in a year or five to recover. Most who are on this site also have young ones and again hope they are also employed. Housing is in a chronic stage and costs are prohibitive taxes are taking more 'indirectly' so services rise to meet the increases. Robbing Peter to pay Paul fits many increased costs!

 

[Cyberchook]

Always supposing that this could be achieved…..I’d like to see a total ban on immigration for a designated period of time…..address the problem issues that are like a plague infecting more and more people every day. There is no dignity in being homeless and in despair for their future and the future of their children……..Australia cannot be called a first world country while its economy does not allow for at least adequate food, shelter, and a place to call home for the needy and the elders in our communities…Not everyone can afford to donate to the increasing number of charities………..It would be nice to see some of our taxes used directly for the betterment of our societies needy, instead of the betterment of other countries needy….Fix our country first and then it’d be okay to help other ones……Going back to the beginning, curb immigration totally for a couple of years and give Australia a breather….

Absolutely it is as clear as the nose on your face, isn't it?

 

[Cyberchook]

This is heartbreaking in a country like Australia. I don’t understand why the governments of every state and the federal government don’t start living up to their promises of providing many much needed homes for people living on the streets. Just in the country town I live in there are huge numbers of housing commission homes standing empty because they no longer meet building codes. Well, get on with knocking them down and building multi units, small homes, several on one block as they have done on some blocks in town. They don’t have to be mansions with everything that opens and shuts in them, most homeless people would be grateful for a basic house that provides a roof over their heads. My sister and her son have been living in a falling down, rat infested shed for over three years now, she is applying for every rental she can, but because they are on Centrelink she keeps getting knocked back. She has been asking for assistance from numerous housing groups who are supposed to help find homes for homeless people but most of them don’t care or can’t be bothered helping. She has no power in the shed, has to run a generator for power which costs her a large chunk of her benefits for fuel. Now the water pump from the tank has failed so she has no water for a shower or washing etc without carting buckets of water. The land owner wants her out so refuses to fix anything that breaks down. She borrowed a camping shower that she uses for showering. But, she says it is better than living in a tent or in her car. It is time all governments started putting money where their mouths are and building the homes they keep promising. What is wrong with getting prisoners in the gaols to build and fit out large amounts of demountable homes for people, it would be more cost effective than using building companies.

I keep hearing about Nuclear Power submarines ordered and plans for 'big things'
as extra airports, roads and suburbs (destroying our environs)like little boxes side
by side, many are still half finished or builders failing to complete them due mainly to excessive unpaid costs!!..it goes on and on in every sector of the general population. The rich and Politicians get richer off the backs of the poor

 

[Cyberchook]

The government said the permanent migration intake would also decrease from 190,000 this financial year to 185,000 in 2024-25
In 2022-23, the number of migrant arrivals increased to 737,000, up from 427,000 the year before. This equates to an annual increase of 73 per cent. In 2020-21, there was an annual decrease of 71 per cent, due to the travel restrictions during the pandemic. Where are all those people on the streets as only about 15% of immigrants are in this position the rest are older Aussies?

 

[Cyberchook]

600 million dollars given to PPNG to fund a sports Team. How many small homes would this have built in Australia. How many people would it have helped?
It’s an absolute disgrace.

This is more to enhance our security levels and being more popular with the Papuans than China and its offerings.

 

[Jennylolo]

Does this include UK and NZ immigration?

not so much the formally done but more the ones sneaking in and that's not just boat people. I was in semi country and local housing- 4 bedroom was given to a single woman only, where she could have been given a single room or apartment instead. We had homeless, including families, on the street in the area at the time. It's the quantities I think more so that don't need to be so high. It's about balance and equality.

 

[Joydie]

I've read all the comments with interest. I've taken two main points from the answers.

Firstly, in my view, slagging off political parties is an exercise in futility. Both sides of politics are equally to blame.

Secondly, the rate of immigration must be cut drastically. The net benefit to our country is negligible, if it exists at all.

 

[Annna]

Has anybody witnessed the "clientele" at such charity distribution points? When I was living in Dandenong, Victoria, the huge majority of recipients were of Muslim heritage, standing in line playing with their latest iPhones while smirking at non Muslim people. When they collected their goods, some departed in their latest model $150000 BMW X7 or similar.

So much for charities supplying the homeless, unemployed and financially disadvantaged! Just give it all to rich pigs as mentioned.

Missed opportunity to photograph, publish and shame.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Missed opportunity to photograph, publish and shame.

A bit hard to identify when most of their faces are covered by some sort of "religious" headgear.

I experienced it firsthand when a Muslim cow stole my wallet when I placed it on the counter at Dandenong Plaza Aldi. I took my eye off the wallet for no more than five seconds, only for the pig dodging bitch to pocket it and bail out of the store, leaving her groceries on the conveyor.

She was caught on CCTV but due to the hijab. poojab, whatever, police could not identify the slag. I say screw religion, all religion regardless. The wearing of such a head dress should not enable one to be "unidentifiable", all in the name of the false doctrine called "religion".

This is one of many instances I have had with scumbag imports to this country. And people wonder why I'm overtly racist toward some nationalities and ethnicities.

 

[Iggydi]

I think it would be happening whichever government was in and they are very slow to come up with solutions. Heartbreaking for those desperately in need.

I agree. Can't just blame 1 government as it has been happening for a long time now