When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was sure of one thing — she didn’t want kids. Ray, on the other hand, wanted four. Over 30 years later, they’re parents to 16 children.
Now known across Australia as The Bonell Family, Jeni and Ray live in Toowoomba, Queensland, with a household of nine boys and seven girls, aged 10 to 35. Life is far from ordinary — it’s a finely tuned routine filled with chaos, humor, and a lot of love.
Feeding such a large family means spending $600 a week on groceries, including 50 litres of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, and 45 tubs of yogurt. Eight kids still live at home, and even a simple dinner can involve up to 20 people at the table.
“Imagine an average-sized family — then multiply it by eight,” Jeni laughs. Managing school runs, sports, part-time jobs, and studies is a daily juggling act. “It’s hectic, but good.”
To stay organized, the Bonells use roster systems. From age eight, kids rotate through chores like sweeping, cooking, and setting the table. “Our 12-year-old can make a roast dinner for 20,” Jeni says proudly. Laundry? About six loads a day.
Despite tight finances, the Bonells don’t rely on government support. Ray works as an electrician, and Jeni shares budget meal tips on YouTube, offering inspiration to families navigating rising costs.
Faith plays a role in their lives, but Jeni says their big family isn’t just about religion. “God has a sense of humor,” she jokes. “It just feels right for us.”
Now grandparents, Jeni and Ray still find time for each other amidst the mayhem. Through it all — the budgeting, the routine, the noise — one thing is clear: for the Bonells, family is everything.