A survey conducted by Vinnies through YouGov reveals over half of Australian households are cutting back on essentials such as medication, groceries and bills.
The data found that Australians aged 45 to 60 were among the hardest hit, with 40 per cent reporting they had no emergency savings buffer, and 60 per cent saying they had to cut back on essentials to keep up with housing costs.
Since February 2026, the Vinnies emergency welfare call centre has seen a 44 per cent increased demand for fuel vouchers and a 26 per cent increased need for food parcels.
Vinnies group chief executive Charlie Spendlove said the numbers showed the community was under pressure.
“Winter is always one of the toughest periods for the people we support, but ongoing cost-of-living pressures, rising fuel prices and further rate hikes are pushing more Victorians to the brink,” Ms Spendlove said.
“We are seeing more people returning for help ... these are people trapped in a cycle, not just going through a rough patch. Once you call us twice, you are more likely to call a third time.
“That is why prevention matters, and why donations to this appeal are so critical right now.
“The person sleeping rough tonight is not a statistic — they are someone’s neighbour, father, sister or colleague,” he said.
Funds raised through the Vinnies Winter Appeal will help the society provide practical support to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, poverty and cost-of-living pressures, including assistance with food, bills and other essentials needed.
Last financial year, the society provided more than $18.3 million in direct assistance across Victoria, including more than 686,000 meals through Vinnies Soup Vans and over 90,000 home visits.
Donations to the Vinnies Winter Appeal can be made at donate.vinnies.org.au/winter-appeal or by calling 13 18 12 or at your local Vinnies store.
