Vinnies Winter Appeal launches as Tasmanians cut back on basics

As winter approaches, the St Vincent de Paul Society is calling on Tasmanians to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal 2026.

The Society has been averaging around 21 requests for assistance per day in recent months, with 1,336 Tasmanians assisted in the month of March alone.

Society CEO Connie Digolis said financial vulnerability was widespread, with one in five Australians holding less than $100 in savings.

“Rents across Tasmania have risen sharply, around eight to 10 per cent in the past year and more than 30 per cent since 2020, placing affordable housing out of reach for many, particularly those on low or fixed incomes,” Ms Digolis said.

“Waiting lists at our Bethlehem House accommodation exceeds 150 people, with very few residents able to move on because suitable long-term housing simply isn’t becoming available.

“The people most impacted by rising rents are often the least able to absorb the pressure. Low-income households now make up a significant portion of the rental market, leaving them exposed to ongoing housing insecurity through no fault of their own.”

St Vincent de Paul Society’s Case Coordinator for the Northern Region Sasha Banfield said more families were being tipped over the edge every week with expensive groceries, fuel and rent.

“We are getting lots of comments from families that money isn’t going as far as it used to, with price rises at the supermarket a regular occurrence and fuel costs adding pressure on getting to work, school and appointments.”

“Some people are coming in one week and they are just keeping their head above water, and then something happens and they are not ok.

"Financial buffers are depleted. One event like getting injured, sick or having a change in employment can be the thing that moves people from getting by to treading water.”

A new YouGov survey commissioned by St Vincent de Paul Society found more than half of Australians (55 per cent) say they have had to reduce spending on essentials such as medication, groceries and bills just to keep a roof over their head.

The survey also found nearly three in 10 Australians (29 per cent) disagree that they have enough savings in their account to cover an emergency expense, with 17per cent (approximately 3.7 million people) strongly disagreeing.

Launceston based National President of the Society Mark Gaetani said the findings revealed just how many people were entering winter with little to fall back on.

“Winter is one of the toughest times of year for those households the Society supports, but these figures show financial insecurity is now hitting many Tasmanians harder than ever,” he said.

“For households with little or no savings buffer, donations to the Vinnies Winter Appeal can help them to stay housed and to feel safe.”

Funds raised through the Vinnies Winter Appeal will help the Society provide practical support to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, poverty and rising cost-of-living pressures, including assistance with food, bills and other essentials needed for a decent life.

Donations to the Vinnies Winter Appeal can be made at https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-tas/winter-appeal-tas or by calling 13 18 12 or at Vinnies Shops.

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

Note: All figures are from YouGov online survey commissioned by St Vincent de Paul Society, undertaken between 12–16 March 2026. Total sample size was 1,000 adults.