Big Group Hug

Big Group Hug is a children's charity providing material aid to vulnerable children and families across Victoria, Australia, regardless of circumstance or eligibility criteria. It makes sustainable use of second-hand donations of clothes, toys, books and hardware, alongside purchased essentials such as toiletries and baby formula, to support families facing a wide range of challenges.

Responsibilities & Ideal Background

Scholars can lead an independent project shaped around both their interests and the organisation's needs, for example designing and running research such as BGH's caseworker survey, analysing the results and presenting recommendations to senior leadership. Scholars are also expected to help with day-to-day volunteering at the main warehouse, including processing aid requests. The team is supportive, and project planning before arrival is well organised.

A good fit is someone willing to get involved in every part of a not-for-profit's work alongside their own project, with skills in research, data analysis, project management or community engagement. The BGH site is around 20km from Melbourne's city centre, roughly a 40-minute train journey and a 2km walk. Accommodation in Melbourne is expensive, so scholars should budget for this.

LiA Champions

Curious about this project but not sure where to start? Our LiA Champions can share candid insights from their placements in Melbourne, including running BGH's 2026 caseworker survey and helping with operations at the warehouse.

• Elena Law ([University])
  Contact via the Laidlaw Scholars Network: View profile
• Melissa Brownbridge (Durham University)
  Email: mhwb29@durham.ac.uk
  View profile

Organisation Contact

Bernadene Voss, CEO
Email: [EMAIL]