Adelaide mother-of-four admits to stealing food amid cost-of-living crisis
Nakiah* said she feels guilty but blames rising food prices for leaving her with little choice to ensure her children do not go hungry.
'No parent wants to hear your kid say 'I'm still hungry' after dinner,' Nakiah told 7NEWS.
'I feel guilt but at the same time I don't because it's for my children — I'll do anything for my children.'
The single mother, from Adelaide's northern suburbs, is not alone, with Salvation Army data released ahead of the charity's annual Red Shield Appeal showing the cost-of living crisis is having widespread impact.
The Red Shield Report 2025 — which surveyed 3586 vulnerable Australians who had received food, financial aid or material aid from The Salvation Army — found almost a quarter (24 per cent) had eaten food past its expiry date to save money.
It also found one in 20 Australians have taken and eaten food from bins outside supermarkets and restaurants, while a majority of people are skipping meals.
Nakiah said the rising costs of housing and essential services and other basic living expenses meant there was often not enough money left to adequately feed her family.
She admits to shoplifting at least once a fortnight so her children don't go to bed hungry, saying it is her last resort — and it frightens her.
'You walk through (the shops) just watching and knowing I'm about to do something like that — it's so scary,' she told 7NEWS.
'So many people are just brought to guilt and shame to do the wrong thing when they don't want to.
'We can't do this any more, we can't keep living like this.'
Salvation Army spokesperson Robyn Lorimer said many people across Australia were cutting corners to make ends meet.
'We're finding people would prefer to sit in the dark than put their lights on,' she said.
'For some, they're even having to go to a public toilet or shopping centre just to shower because they can't justify the water costs.'
The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $2 million in its annual Red Shield appeal this weekend, to support those people doing it tough — and to intervene before more of them resort to crime.
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Sydney Morning Herald
7 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
I was warned about our suburb. Then we accidentally moved here
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The Age
7 hours ago
- The Age
I was warned about our suburb. Then we accidentally moved here
On the map of Melbourne's suburbs by nickname, my suburb is listed as The Bashin' and The Sink, right next door to Feral Tree Gully. I've never seen a tree go feral; nevertheless, the nicknames for The Basin are funny but don't really represent the area well. I usually hear birds calling rather than gurgling sinks. Our move here was accidental. When looking for homes out east, I saw the listing, not knowing much about The Basin and not having any expectations. My husband, who knew the area well, warned me: 'If you look at that house, you'll want to live there.' He was right. At the inspection, we stood out on the house's balcony, seduced by the view out to the Yarra Valley. We did want to live there. We even forgot to look at the rest of the house properly! It is still the most scenic place to wake up to every morning. So beautiful that even on Melbourne's most miserable days, the romantic foggy view, which reminds me of classical Chinese paintings of mountains, makes the cold bearable. In the foothills of Mount Corhanwarrabul, aka the Dandenong Ranges, The Basin is a peri-urban suburb, 31 kilometres from central Melbourne on its eastern edge. It is flatter on one side, resembling a more typically neat suburban residential area, while the other side is hilly and bushy – forest, paddocks and a little bit of suburbia all rolled into one. It's the only suburb I'm aware of whose community newspaper has a page-three 'bird of the week' – in this case, the column detailing a different local bird species. There's more than a birdwatcher or two about here! It is a quiet neighbourhood. The light noticeably changes through the seasons – as we enter winter, I love the golden light through the treetops as the sun sets. It's a place full of non-pet visitors; birds, wallabies, possums, echidnas and ducks, who regularly come by to say hello. The Dandenong and Dobsons creeks run through the suburb, an area that has sustained the traditional Wurundjeri owners for many generations. The descriptive name dates back to around 1860, when Ferdinand von Mueller, the first botanist of the Royal Botanic Gardens, described the area as a basin surrounded by hills. As a local, I am also a city watcher, someone who loves a good suburban safari. Having lived in many different places, such as Glenroy, Richmond, Brunswick, and various suburbs in Sydney, The Basin is, like the best suburbs, a world within a place. With fewer than 5000 residents, it's a bit of a secret. Most people have never heard of it, but those who have, are awed by the natural beauty. At the foothills of the mountains, it is considered 'bush suburbia' and not a township like Olinda and Sassafras further up the mountain. Rules on the number of dwellings on a block and building heights remain strict in attempts to preserve the natural bush character. Many residents were recently concerned a solar farm at the Salvation Army property would detract from the area's natural beauty, but the panels have gone in without any trouble. Once people move here, they seem to stick around, though there has been some pressure on the primary school in recent years after the arrival of more new young families.
The Advertiser
19 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Ruffling feathers: should you be feeding the birds in your backyard?
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"Between a third and a half of Australians anywhere in Australia are at any one time feeding birds," Professor Jones said. "I realised that people were not going to stop feeding birds, that in some cases, they were inadvertently, without even knowing, feeding them the wrong things, "There's no information because if you asked the local authorities or went to the council or the rangers or anybody and said 'What do you think I should feed the magpies?', you would get the absolute without a doubt, they would say 'You shouldn't be feeding them at all!''' This inspired Professor Jones to write a bird feeding guide for Australians, 'Feeding the birds at your table'. "I really do think you can feed birds in Australia as long as you're careful and feed the right things," he said. Click the map below to see the law in your state or territory. In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it is illegal to feed native birds. The maximum penalty in WA for feeding fauna is a $20,000 fine. In most other states and territories, it is illegal to feed native birds and wildlife in national parks and reserves (ACT, VIC, QLD, and TAS). Some local councils prohibit bird feeding, usually when it has become a nuisance, and they can issue fines. Australia's largest rescue organisation, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), strongly implores people to never feed wildlife. WIRES is licensed in NSW to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned protected animals by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. As a WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson witnesses the consequences of bird feeding on a daily basis. "Although it can be tempting to feed wildlife, particularly birds, it's usually best to avoid this practice," she said. "Some foods, such as bread and mince, can cause health impacts for birds and nutritional deficiencies. It also brings birds closer together and can potentially spread infectious diseases. One such disease is bird and feather disease, also known as psittacine circovirus (PCV), which has high death rates and currently has no effective treatment. "It's quite prevalent in rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, and it's highly contagious and can be spread on surfaces," Ms McPherson said. Professor Jones agrees that infectious diseases are a risk, which is why he emphasises the importance of cleaning bird feeders daily. Feeding native birds can change the balance of their diet, increase aggression, encourage dependency and cause sicknesses and deformities, according to WIRES. "I know we all want to help our birds and wildlife, [but bird feeding] generally does more harm than good," Ms McPherson said. "If we do want to help, we can look into planting some native shrubs in our garden." Queensland authorities continue to warn people not to feed cassowaries due to both the risk to humans and the impact on the endangered species. A man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary in his Cardwell backyard in April 2025 and treated for a cut to his leg. In Queensland, feeding dangerous wildlife, such as cassowaries is illegal. Cassowaries have sharp, three-toed claws, including a middle dagger-like claw that can grow up to 10cm long and is used in self-defence. "When cassowaries associate humans with food, they can become impatient and aggressive, particularly when accompanied by chicks," wildlife ranger Jeff Lewis said in a statement. One of the most common birds being fed is magpies, according to Professor Jones' research. Unfortunately, most people feed magpies minced meat, which can be seriously harmful to them. "We really have to stop feeding any bird's mince. It just doesn't have enough calcium," Professor Jones said. "No bird just eats eat all the parts of the animal's body." Until Australians can easily purchase an artificial worm or invertebrate, Professor Jones recommends dry cat or dog food for magpies. He recommends purchasing bird seeds manufactured by a reputable pet food company instead of the cheaper supermarket versions. When feeding birds, Professor Jones said it should be considered a snack, equivalent to approximately a cup of food. "It's not a whole meal. It's just a snack. So just a little bit, and when it's all gone, that's fine. You don't need to put any more out," he said. Bird feeding is not necessary for birds except during extreme weather events like the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires, Professor Jones explained. "We're putting out food for us to enjoy the birds. The birds don't need it." While bird feeding may be contentious, most government and wildlife organisations agree that leaving water out for wildlife is a good idea. The South Australian Department for Environment and Water discourages people from feeding or providing water to wildlife. "Water can be a great lifeline, specifically on hot days," WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson, said. "I would suggest using a very shallow dish and cleaning it regularly, and also placing something like a stick or a rock into the water, so any small animal that may fall into the water can climb back out again." Getting to know the native birds in your backyard is a beloved pastime for most Aussies, but should we be feeding our feathered friends? Bird feeding is a common practice worldwide, but in Australia, it remains a contentious issue, with government agencies and wildlife organisations strongly discouraging and in some cases prohibiting the practice. Urban ecologist Professor Darryl Jones changed his mind about bird feeding when he found that, despite being publicly shunned, most Australians feed birds. "Between a third and a half of Australians anywhere in Australia are at any one time feeding birds," Professor Jones said. "I realised that people were not going to stop feeding birds, that in some cases, they were inadvertently, without even knowing, feeding them the wrong things, "There's no information because if you asked the local authorities or went to the council or the rangers or anybody and said 'What do you think I should feed the magpies?', you would get the absolute without a doubt, they would say 'You shouldn't be feeding them at all!''' This inspired Professor Jones to write a bird feeding guide for Australians, 'Feeding the birds at your table'. "I really do think you can feed birds in Australia as long as you're careful and feed the right things," he said. Click the map below to see the law in your state or territory. In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it is illegal to feed native birds. The maximum penalty in WA for feeding fauna is a $20,000 fine. In most other states and territories, it is illegal to feed native birds and wildlife in national parks and reserves (ACT, VIC, QLD, and TAS). Some local councils prohibit bird feeding, usually when it has become a nuisance, and they can issue fines. Australia's largest rescue organisation, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), strongly implores people to never feed wildlife. WIRES is licensed in NSW to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned protected animals by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. As a WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson witnesses the consequences of bird feeding on a daily basis. "Although it can be tempting to feed wildlife, particularly birds, it's usually best to avoid this practice," she said. "Some foods, such as bread and mince, can cause health impacts for birds and nutritional deficiencies. It also brings birds closer together and can potentially spread infectious diseases. One such disease is bird and feather disease, also known as psittacine circovirus (PCV), which has high death rates and currently has no effective treatment. "It's quite prevalent in rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, and it's highly contagious and can be spread on surfaces," Ms McPherson said. Professor Jones agrees that infectious diseases are a risk, which is why he emphasises the importance of cleaning bird feeders daily. Feeding native birds can change the balance of their diet, increase aggression, encourage dependency and cause sicknesses and deformities, according to WIRES. "I know we all want to help our birds and wildlife, [but bird feeding] generally does more harm than good," Ms McPherson said. "If we do want to help, we can look into planting some native shrubs in our garden." Queensland authorities continue to warn people not to feed cassowaries due to both the risk to humans and the impact on the endangered species. A man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary in his Cardwell backyard in April 2025 and treated for a cut to his leg. In Queensland, feeding dangerous wildlife, such as cassowaries is illegal. Cassowaries have sharp, three-toed claws, including a middle dagger-like claw that can grow up to 10cm long and is used in self-defence. "When cassowaries associate humans with food, they can become impatient and aggressive, particularly when accompanied by chicks," wildlife ranger Jeff Lewis said in a statement. One of the most common birds being fed is magpies, according to Professor Jones' research. Unfortunately, most people feed magpies minced meat, which can be seriously harmful to them. "We really have to stop feeding any bird's mince. It just doesn't have enough calcium," Professor Jones said. "No bird just eats eat all the parts of the animal's body." Until Australians can easily purchase an artificial worm or invertebrate, Professor Jones recommends dry cat or dog food for magpies. He recommends purchasing bird seeds manufactured by a reputable pet food company instead of the cheaper supermarket versions. When feeding birds, Professor Jones said it should be considered a snack, equivalent to approximately a cup of food. "It's not a whole meal. It's just a snack. So just a little bit, and when it's all gone, that's fine. You don't need to put any more out," he said. Bird feeding is not necessary for birds except during extreme weather events like the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires, Professor Jones explained. "We're putting out food for us to enjoy the birds. The birds don't need it." While bird feeding may be contentious, most government and wildlife organisations agree that leaving water out for wildlife is a good idea. The South Australian Department for Environment and Water discourages people from feeding or providing water to wildlife. "Water can be a great lifeline, specifically on hot days," WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson, said. "I would suggest using a very shallow dish and cleaning it regularly, and also placing something like a stick or a rock into the water, so any small animal that may fall into the water can climb back out again." Getting to know the native birds in your backyard is a beloved pastime for most Aussies, but should we be feeding our feathered friends? Bird feeding is a common practice worldwide, but in Australia, it remains a contentious issue, with government agencies and wildlife organisations strongly discouraging and in some cases prohibiting the practice. Urban ecologist Professor Darryl Jones changed his mind about bird feeding when he found that, despite being publicly shunned, most Australians feed birds. "Between a third and a half of Australians anywhere in Australia are at any one time feeding birds," Professor Jones said. "I realised that people were not going to stop feeding birds, that in some cases, they were inadvertently, without even knowing, feeding them the wrong things, "There's no information because if you asked the local authorities or went to the council or the rangers or anybody and said 'What do you think I should feed the magpies?', you would get the absolute without a doubt, they would say 'You shouldn't be feeding them at all!''' This inspired Professor Jones to write a bird feeding guide for Australians, 'Feeding the birds at your table'. "I really do think you can feed birds in Australia as long as you're careful and feed the right things," he said. Click the map below to see the law in your state or territory. In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it is illegal to feed native birds. The maximum penalty in WA for feeding fauna is a $20,000 fine. In most other states and territories, it is illegal to feed native birds and wildlife in national parks and reserves (ACT, VIC, QLD, and TAS). Some local councils prohibit bird feeding, usually when it has become a nuisance, and they can issue fines. Australia's largest rescue organisation, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), strongly implores people to never feed wildlife. WIRES is licensed in NSW to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned protected animals by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. As a WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson witnesses the consequences of bird feeding on a daily basis. "Although it can be tempting to feed wildlife, particularly birds, it's usually best to avoid this practice," she said. "Some foods, such as bread and mince, can cause health impacts for birds and nutritional deficiencies. It also brings birds closer together and can potentially spread infectious diseases. One such disease is bird and feather disease, also known as psittacine circovirus (PCV), which has high death rates and currently has no effective treatment. "It's quite prevalent in rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, and it's highly contagious and can be spread on surfaces," Ms McPherson said. Professor Jones agrees that infectious diseases are a risk, which is why he emphasises the importance of cleaning bird feeders daily. Feeding native birds can change the balance of their diet, increase aggression, encourage dependency and cause sicknesses and deformities, according to WIRES. "I know we all want to help our birds and wildlife, [but bird feeding] generally does more harm than good," Ms McPherson said. "If we do want to help, we can look into planting some native shrubs in our garden." Queensland authorities continue to warn people not to feed cassowaries due to both the risk to humans and the impact on the endangered species. A man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary in his Cardwell backyard in April 2025 and treated for a cut to his leg. In Queensland, feeding dangerous wildlife, such as cassowaries is illegal. Cassowaries have sharp, three-toed claws, including a middle dagger-like claw that can grow up to 10cm long and is used in self-defence. "When cassowaries associate humans with food, they can become impatient and aggressive, particularly when accompanied by chicks," wildlife ranger Jeff Lewis said in a statement. One of the most common birds being fed is magpies, according to Professor Jones' research. Unfortunately, most people feed magpies minced meat, which can be seriously harmful to them. "We really have to stop feeding any bird's mince. It just doesn't have enough calcium," Professor Jones said. "No bird just eats eat all the parts of the animal's body." Until Australians can easily purchase an artificial worm or invertebrate, Professor Jones recommends dry cat or dog food for magpies. He recommends purchasing bird seeds manufactured by a reputable pet food company instead of the cheaper supermarket versions. When feeding birds, Professor Jones said it should be considered a snack, equivalent to approximately a cup of food. "It's not a whole meal. It's just a snack. So just a little bit, and when it's all gone, that's fine. You don't need to put any more out," he said. Bird feeding is not necessary for birds except during extreme weather events like the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires, Professor Jones explained. "We're putting out food for us to enjoy the birds. The birds don't need it." While bird feeding may be contentious, most government and wildlife organisations agree that leaving water out for wildlife is a good idea. The South Australian Department for Environment and Water discourages people from feeding or providing water to wildlife. "Water can be a great lifeline, specifically on hot days," WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson, said. "I would suggest using a very shallow dish and cleaning it regularly, and also placing something like a stick or a rock into the water, so any small animal that may fall into the water can climb back out again."
