Australia’s birth rate is in freefall, hitting record lows—but some families are defying the odds. While the national birth rate is projected to plunge to an unprecedented 1.42 this year, driven by soaring costs of living, housing crises, and global uncertainties, families like Rosina Gordon’s are choosing a different path. And this is the part most people miss: despite financial pressures, some Aussies are still embracing large families of three, four, or more children. But here's where it gets controversial—is this a matter of faith, resilience, or simply a different set of priorities? Let’s dive in.
Rosina Gordon, 53, and her teacher husband relocated to regional New South Wales to raise their six children, aged 10 to 20. Growing up as one of six herself, Rosina cherished the sense of community a large family fosters—a value she wanted to pass on. Her Catholic faith also played a pivotal role in overcoming fears of financial instability. 'Faith helped me conquer the fear of the unknown,' she shared with nine.com.au. 'It’s not just about having kids; it’s about strengthening my faith through them.' But her choice sets her apart in a country where only 19.6% of couple families and 15.3% of single-parent families had three or more children in the 2021 Census—down from 2015 figures.
Raising six children on a single income hasn’t been easy. Rosina’s family thrives on thriftiness: hand-me-down clothes, second-hand furniture, and budget-friendly outings. 'The joys outweigh the hardships,' she admits, 'but let’s be real—you can’t have it all in today’s world.' For the past 20 years, she’s leaned on a tight-knit community of like-minded mums, proving that emotional support is non-negotiable. 'You need a loyal circle to make it work,' she emphasizes.
Jangelah Frew, 33, echoes this sentiment. Initially unsure about having a large family, she found her purpose after her first child nine years ago. Now pregnant with her fifth, she’s never been happier. 'It’s chaotic, stressful, but incredibly fulfilling,' she says. Despite juggling minimum-wage jobs and sacrificing luxuries like holidays and tech upgrades, Jangelah and her partner make it work with government support and a 'needs before wants' mindset. 'We’re proof that a big family isn’t just for the religious or the poor,' she challenges, debunking stereotypes.
But here’s the bigger question: Can Australia support families like Rosina’s and Jangelah’s without breaking the bank? Both women advocate for more government assistance, such as childcare funding and tax breaks. Is it time for policymakers to step up, or is this solely a personal choice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Australia can afford to encourage larger families, or is the current trend here to stay?
