Jenny Macklin (Jagajaga, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Families and Payments) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Big Group Hug is a fantastic grassroots organisation based in Rosanna in my electorate. It is run entirely by volunteer residents who believe that all children deserve the very best start in life. Big Group Hug provides crucial items like nappies, clothing, toys, prams, car seats and nursery furniture to local struggling families with children newborn to age 12. In a typical month they receive 400 requests for help and deliver around 6,000 items to local families.

We know that winter can be a tough time for vulnerable families. Babies and children get sick. Medicine and energy costs increase. And making sure that children have got access to warm clothing is a must. I am very pleased to be able to support their 'Singlets, socks and jocks make for warm and happy tots' campaign.

Today I pay particular thanks to Vena Byrne, Fay Jackson, Merle Woodford and Dorothy Dickens from the Summerhill Residential Park in Reservoir, who hand-knitted beautiful quality jumpers, coats, blankets and beanies. The wool for their knitting was donated by the Lions Club of Diamond Valley, and I thank President Trevor Kennett for his great support as well.

Finally, I would like to thank Julia de la Harpe, Relationship Coordinator at Big Group Hug, for reaching out to my office to support their work.