Sarah Matthews, is the passionate CEO of the Little BIG Foundation. With a strong belief in the power of community and human connection, Sarah has dedicated her career to tackling loneliness and helping people feel a greater sense of belonging.
Since founding the Little BIG Foundation, Sarah has led a movement that transforms simple social moments into meaningful change. Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and trust — empowering local people to take the lead in creating spaces where kindness and connection thrive.
Under her guidance, the Little BIG House in Summer Hill has become a vibrant community hub that welcomes hundreds of locals every month.
Here’s what Sarah shared with us:
💫 What impact has Little BIG made so far?
“In just four years, we’ve gathered over 50 volunteers and hosts who run 90+ events monthly at our Little BIG House in Summer Hill. We’ve seen a 7% drop in loneliness, 17% more social contact, and an 18% rise in neighbours knowing each other. Even better, 73% of attendees meet someone new!”
🤝 How does Little BIG bring people together?
“We create spaces where neighbours naturally connect — from parents’ groups to beer tastings and workplace “Good Work” activations. Our secret is volunteers: locals who host events, share skills, and welcome others. By supporting them with training and confidence-building, we help build lasting habits of kindness and connection — the true foundation of togetherness.”
💭 Which personal belief shapes your leadership most?
“I believe in getting out of the way of good people. Local people have incredible ideas that bring others together and deliver real social impact. By letting them lead — and focusing on the conditions that help them succeed, like a beautiful low-cost venue, confidence-building, and structural support — we can achieve so much more together.”
🚀 What excites you about Little BIG’s future?
“I’m excited for the day when having a Little BIG House in every new development becomes the norm, where no significant development takes place without considering the social well-being of both existing residents and newcomers.”
“I’m also inspired by how we’re linking our impact goals with property sector outcomes, creating a more sustainable model than relying solely on grants or donations. It’s an approach increasingly embraced across the not-for-profit and social enterprise sectors.”
💖 A story that captures why you do this work?
“I was honoured to speak at the Parliamentary Inquiry into Loneliness, where Little BIG was featured as a case study of success at the NSW Government level. But our biggest impact is local — like a volunteer who said they now feel confident to reach out and invite another parent to join their group. That’s the heart of Little BIG — empowering kindness and connection in everyday life.”
Stay Connected:
🌐 Website: www.littlebigfoundation.org
📱 Instagram: @summerhilllittlebighouse
🔗LinkedIn: Little BIG Foundation
