Inside Australias biggest family, try not to smile when you see all the kids today

When Jeni first met her husband, Ray, she was certain about one thing: she didn’t want children. The idea of raising a large family seemed unimaginable. Ray, however, dreamed of having at least four kids. “I thought he was crazy,” Jeni recalls with a laugh. But life has a way of surprising us. More than 30 years later, Jeni and Ray are the proud parents of sixteen children — making them one of Australia’s biggest families.

From their home in Toowoomba, Queensland, the Bonells raised nine boys and seven girls: Jesse, 35, Brooke, 34, Claire, 31, Natalie, 30, Karl, 28, Samuel, 26, Cameron, 25, Sabrina, 24, Tim, 22, Brandon, 20, Eve, 19, Nate, 17, Rachel, 16, Eric, 15, Damian, 14, and their youngest, Katelyn, 10. Two are now married, grandchildren have joined the picture, and yet their home remains full of energy, laughter, and movement. With at least eight children still living at home, quiet moments are rare.

Feeding and Running a Household of Eighteen

Managing meals for such a big family is no small task. Jeni spends around $600 a week on groceries — a figure that has grown with rising costs. Their weekly shopping list includes 50 liters of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, four dozen eggs, and up to two loaves of bread each day. Grocery runs always require two overflowing trolleys, often with a child in tow to help push.

Laundry is another marathon: three large loads every day, equal to six loads for an average family. Add in school schedules, sports practices, and part-time jobs, and the household rhythm never stops. “I thought life was busy when they were little,” Jeni says, “but teenagers and young adults bring their own challenges.”

Dinner for Twenty

Evenings at the Bonell home are a full event. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight — that’s what our routine feels like,” Jeni jokes. Dinner often brings anywhere from eight to twenty people around the table, depending on whether older children or partners join. Meals are budget-friendly, usually costing between $2 and $10 per person, and Jeni has become a master at stretching every dollar. She even shares cooking tips on YouTube to help other families save on food costs.

By the age of twelve, each Bonell child knows how to prepare a meal for twenty — a family tradition that’s become a rite of passage.

Teamwork in Action

Organization keeps the household running. A chore chart ensures that once a child turns eight, they join the rotation — sweeping, mopping, setting the table, or prepping meals. Even snack preparation has a system: Jeni uses her air fryer to make egg cups and pizza bites that freeze well for school lunches.

But it’s not all schedules and chores. It’s also about the little things: the laughter, the teasing, the chaos of family photos where someone is always blinking or making a funny face. To Jeni, those imperfections make the memories even more special.

Faith, Family, and Finances

The Bonells have faced questions about their decision to raise such a large family, but Jeni and Ray are confident in their choice. Ray, an electrician, puts it simply: “Having sixteen kids isn’t for everyone, but it’s what works for us.” Their faith influences their outlook, but their approach is built on love, commitment, and teamwork.

Financially, they’ve made sacrifices and learned to budget carefully. Despite the significant expenses, they take pride in managing their household without relying on outside support. Ray and Jeni also prioritize their marriage, making sure they find time for each other amidst the busyness.

A Legacy of Love

Today, their family spans decades in age, with some children raising families of their own. Grandchildren are now part of their story, adding another layer of joy to their bustling household.

For Jeni and Ray, life with sixteen children isn’t about perfection — it’s about resilience, patience, and unconditional love. What might feel overwhelming to others has become their greatest adventure, and their story is a reminder that family is built on more than numbers. It’s about the bonds that carry on for generations.

The Bonells’ story proves that family life doesn’t need to be picture-perfect to be extraordinary. Sixteen children may sound unimaginable, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s simply the life they chose — full of laughter, challenges, and love. What do you think — could you imagine life in a family this big?