After raising his own children and working all his life, the Riverina retiree was forced to put aside his grand plans of leisurely travel to look after his two grandchildren – who could not be named for legal reasons. 

Mr Lynch is one of more that 50 grandparents, who have joined the Grandparents Doing it Tough group from across the Riverina. 

Their plight is simple: to be supported as they raise their grandchildren, without battling legal hurdles to be recognised as family.

 A fresh push for change has followed the increasing number of older residents calling for help as they take on parenting responsibilities “without appropriate finances or resources”. 

Mr Lynch said bringing his grandchildren into his life was a decision he said he wouldn’t change for the world, but it was one that had left him struggling to make ends meet. 

According to NSW, the 55-year-old Lockhart man is considered to be his grandchildren’s foster carer. 

“But I’m one of the lucky ones,” Mr Lynch said. “If you’re on a single pension and looking after your own kids it’s almost impossible.”

He said the issue was grandparents were not recognised as family carers and were not entitled to payments as such. To be granted any assistance, they had to “jump through hoops” to become foster carers. 

“The biggest problem is money,” Mr Lynch said. “Most children who come into care have special needs and it doesn’t take long for your savings to disappear.” 

The 55-year-old now lives off about $450 a week, with which he travels for the children’s sporting and athletics activities, buys food and school supplies, and pays for bills and general expenses. 

“There needs to be more support for grandparents,” he said. “Especially those raising them without help.”

Grandparents Doing it Tough coordinator Lyn Reilly said across one week, three new grandparents had already inquired to join. 

“We’re getting more inquires,” Ms Reilly said. “But nothing is changing.” 

She said this year, the group would take on a strong political activism stance to push for the Department of Family and Community Services to accept the recommendations of three separate senate inquiries. 

Ms Reilly said the first support group meeting for the year will be held on February 2 from 10.30am.