Home » News » New home for charity

New home for charity

Star Weekly is taking a look back at 2023. Here’s one of our biggest stories from last year.

September 12

Big Group Hug is celebrating the successful launch of its new location in Thomastown.

The grand opening last week provided supporters with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the organisation’s vital work.

Fundraising and communications manager Maria Quigley shared her enthusiasm for the new chapter for the non-for profit organisation.

“It’s been a really wonderful week,“ she remarked. “The grand opening of the new location served as a special opportunity to give some of our supporters an insight into what we do behind the scenes.“

Big Group Hug operates as a lifeline for families in need, accepting donations of all kinds, both new and pre-loved. The organisation boasts a network of 1200 welfare professionals, including midwives, social workers, and hospital staff, who can make resource requests on behalf of struggling families.

In the past year alone, Big Group Hug made a significant impact by providing more than 6000 children with essential items for a healthy life. These items range from clothing, toys, and books to baby formula, high chairs, and car seats.

For the past five years, the organisation had been based in Bundoora. However, as their lease approached its end and the warehouse became crowded, they decided to make the strategic move to Thomastown

Big Group Hug also maintains a smaller location in Airport West, which serves as both a donation centre and a pickup point for agencies collecting essential packages.

Digital Editions


  • From the archives

    From the archives

    Star Weekly looks back on the pages of our predecessors. 10 years ago 16 February, 2016 A land owner fears the value of his property…

More News

  • Mill Park drink driver among hundreds caught

    Mill Park drink driver among hundreds caught

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 206998 A Mill Park man is one of hundreds of drink drivers caught during a four-day police operation. In the early hours of Saturday…

  • Magbegor named for Opals

    Magbegor named for Opals

    Ezi Magbegor has been named in the Australian Opals squad for the FIBA World Cup Qualifying tournament in Türkiye from 11 – 17 March. Magbegor, who grew up in Craigieburn,…

  • Fungal disease found in local oval

    Fungal disease found in local oval

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 529346 A fungal disease has been uncovered at one of the ovals at the Merrifield Recreation Reserve. Hume council inspected the southern oval following…

  • Tullamarine grass fire under control

    Tullamarine grass fire under control

    Thirty-five firefighters responded to multiple calls of a grass and scrub fire impinging on multiple factories on Tuesday afternoon, 27 January. Crews arrived on scene within seven minutes to find…

  • Hume celebrates Australia Day

    Hume celebrates Australia Day

    This Australia Day locals flocked to Hume’s Australia Day in the park event, to enjoy a community barbecue and family fun in the sun. Children queued up for their spot…

  • Warriors sitting on top

    Warriors sitting on top

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 530332 Westmeadows continue to build momentum in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s competition. Sitting on top of the ladder with one loss, the…

  • HIt-run charges

    HIt-run charges

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 206998 Police have charged a 31-year-old Wallan woman after an alleged fatal hit-and-run in Whittlesea on Sunday 25 January . Her charges include dangerous…

  • Event celebrates renewal this Chinese New Year

    Event celebrates renewal this Chinese New Year

    Northern Health is hosting its third WellAhead open day, a free event encouraging people to relax with wellbeing, reflective and creative activities. The event coincides with Chinese New Year, and…

  • Firefighters stopped grassfire spreading in South Morang

    Firefighters stopped grassfire spreading in South Morang

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 246091 Firefighters stopped a fire spreading in South Morang on Monday, controlling the blaze in just over two hours. The CFA and Fire Rescue…

  • Veteran awarded as advocate for peers

    Veteran awarded as advocate for peers

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 529736 Mill Park resident and veteran Barry Richards has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the…