This month marks four years since the Little BIG Foundation first opened its doors to the community. What began as a simple idea to help people feel more connected has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined: a vibrant, volunteer-powered movement that’s helping to rewrite the story of loneliness in Australia.

When we launched in 2021, we weren’t sure what to expect. We knew loneliness was a growing issue, we knew COVID lockdown had made loneliness relevant in a whole new way, but we also believed in the power of neighbours, in the magic of small moments, and in the strength of a cup of tea shared with someone who sees you.

Four years on:

• We’ve welcomed thousands through the doors of the Little BIG House in Summer Hill, not just for events, but for connection.
• We’ve worked with local councils, developers, artists, volunteers and everyday residents to show that community-building isn’t just nice, it’s necessary.
• We’ve launched a program to engage office workers in their workplace communities.
• Our impact data shows meaningful shifts: reduced loneliness, increased neighbourliness, more friendliness and stronger local networks.
• We have had a lot of fun, and we have made a lot of friends!

But the real legacy isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the mum who now has a village. The retiree who volunteers every week and feels purposeful again. The office worker who felt comfortable enough and disclosed their suicide attempt and is now getting help. It’s in the way people talk about their street, their suburb, and what it means to belong. And the grass-root actions happening to improve our shared spaces.

None of this happened by magic.

The Little BIG Foundation is powered by people. Generous, thoughtful, creative humans who have poured their time, energy, and heart into making community feel possible again. Volunteers, hosts, committee members, Council members, staff (past and present), and funding partners like EG. Thank you!

As we head into year five, we’re asking ourselves bigger questions. How do we scale without losing what makes this special? How do we make sure community connection isn’t an afterthought, but a core part of how we build homes, workplaces, and public spaces? How can we support more people to feel seen, safe, and socially connected, no matter where they live?

We don’t have all the answers, but we have the momentum. And we have each other.

Here’s to four years of little things making a BIG difference. And to everything still to come.

With love and gratitude,
Sarah Mathews
CEO, Little BIG Foundation