05 Mar From Carer to Change-Maker: How One Mum’s Side Hustle Helped Other Women Start Again
After decades devoted to caring for others, one Sydney mum discovered that even a small, flexible income could create a life-changing impact — not just for her own independence, but for women in her community.
A small income, a big ripple effect
After more than 30 years focused on unpaid caring roles — including fostering more than 300 children over two decades — West Pennant Hills mum Michelle Kew wasn’t looking to build a business empire.
She was simply looking for something flexible.
Three years ago, she began running a local community food Hub through Box Divvy, a neighbour-run grocery network that connects families with affordable seasonal food. The model allows Hub operators to earn a modest income around school runs, family commitments and community life.
What Michelle didn’t expect was how far that small income would stretch.
The Hub at Box Divvy
Two cars. Two fresh starts.
By steadily saving her Hub earnings, Michelle purchased two second-hand cars — each worth about $5,000 — for people in need.
One went to a refugee couple trying to establish themselves in Australia. The other went to a woman leaving a violent relationship.
“She had two young girls and no way to get to work or get them to school,” Michelle says. “I’d been supporting her through church, going with her to Legal Aid and to court while she separated from her partner. She was learning to drive, but she had no car.”
After months of saving, Michelle bought a car from her own mother and delivered it to the woman’s home.
“That car meant she could work, take her girls where they needed to go, and start again.”
For parents who have ever relied on a car to manage school drop-offs, work shifts and medical appointments, it’s easy to understand how life-changing that gift was.
Finding independence later in life
Married for 33 years, Michelle says earning her own income felt significant — even within a shared household budget.
“While we’ve always shared finances, earning my own income through the Hub felt different,” she says. “Having my own bank account and something I was responsible for was exciting and freeing. It gave me a real sense of independence and choice.”
Her Hub now supports more than 40 local members. Each week, “Kindness Boxes” — grocery bags filled through the Hub — go to single mums, women leaving domestic violence and families in social housing.
Through her church community, the Hub also contributes to food hampers for local schools, supporting children with additional needs. Last Christmas, that included 40 hampers, plus stationery, toys, games and holiday activities.
Anton and Jayne at the farm
Women helping women
Michelle’s story reflects a growing trend: women building small, flexible income streams that fit around caring responsibilities — and then using that income in ways that reflect their values.
For her, the impact is both practical and personal.
“It’s empowering to earn my own money, and it’s empowering to support other women,” she says. “A lot of the support goes to single mums. It feels like women helping women, in very practical ways.”
As conversations around cost-of-living pressures, domestic violence and financial independence continue, stories like Michelle’s show how even modest income opportunities can create meaningful change — not just for one family, but for many.
Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a box of groceries. Or a second-hand car. Or one woman deciding it’s time to earn something of her own.
Why this story matters on International Women’s Day Sunday March 8th
As International Women’s Day shines a spotlight on women’s economic empowerment, Michelle’s story is a reminder that independence doesn’t always come from high-powered careers or big salaries.
For many mums, financial confidence begins with something smaller — a flexible income stream that fits around school hours, caring roles and family life.
Access to even modest earnings can mean:
- having your own bank account
- building confidence after years out of the workforce
- creating a safety net
- or supporting other women who need a fresh start.
In a year when cost-of-living pressures remain high, and many families are rethinking how they earn and spend, stories like this highlight the quiet power of community-based, women-led initiatives.
Because economic independence isn’t just about money.
It’s about choice.
Main Image: Fiona at the Nth Turramurra Hub.
