According to ACOSS(Australian Council of Social Services) in their Poverty in Australia Report 2014 - the poverty line for an adult in Australia is $20,800 per annum, based on 50% of median income. So she is living slightly below the poverty line. As Sydney is one of the more expensive cities in Australia, at least in terms of rent, that is an achievement. The article doesn't state if she owns her home or not, which would make a difference.