When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she had no desire for children, while he dreamed of having four. Three decades later, they’re parents to 16 kids — nine boys and seven girls — and have become one of Australia’s most talked-about families. Raising such a large brood in Toowoomba, Queensland, is no easy task. With eight children still at home, the Bonells spend around $600 a week on groceries, consuming 50 liters of milk, dozens of eggs, and 14 boxes of cereal. Their shopping trips require two trolleys and plenty of extra help.
Jeni and Ray balance school schedules, part-time jobs, sports, and household chores with precision. They follow a strict roster system: once a child turns eight, they take on rotating responsibilities such as meal prep and cleaning. Even their 12-year-old is skilled enough to roast dinner for 20.
Dinner is a daily affair, often feeding anywhere from 8 to 20 people, and Jeni shares her budget-friendly meal ideas and grocery tips on YouTube. “We all feel the pinch,” she admits, but staying organized is key to making every dollar go further.
Despite the challenges, the Bonells deeply value their faith, humor, and teamwork. While they’ve faced criticism for having such a large family, Jeni and Ray are firm in their belief that it’s the life they chose — and love. “It’s not for everyone,” says Ray, “but it works for us.”
Now grandparents, they embrace the chaos with open arms and wide smiles. For the Bonells, love, laughter, and a lot of careful planning are the keys to making their large family thrive.
