With the support of Port Waratah, LIVEfree Project delivered its Christmas Crisis Pack and School Supplies Initiative across local disadvantaged communities — providing not just immediate relief, but a pathway to greater stability and deeper wellbeing.

Over the holiday period, more than 120 local families received essential crisis hampers and hygiene packs, reaching approximately 450 individuals, funded by Port Waratah. For many, these supplies meant access to food, dignity and peace of mind during an otherwise uncertain time. In addition, 350 frozen meals were distributed, helping ease the burden on families facing financial hardship and a lack of food security.

Beyond practical support, the programme offered something equally important — human connection. At a time when isolation can be most deeply felt, families were supported through compassionate, community-based care.

As the start of the new school year approached, the initiative also focused on giving children the best possible start. 60 children were equipped with backpacks and essential school supplies, removing barriers to education and ensuring they could return to school equipped with confidence.

Importantly, LIVEfree Project remained fully operational throughout the Christmas, New Year and school holiday period — when many other support systems such as schools, teachers and other services are unavailable. Financial strain, housing instability, family breakdown, illness, isolation and mental health challenges don’t pause for the holidays — they often intensify. For many families, simply getting through the week becomes the goal. This continuity of care enabled real-time responses to complex and often urgent situations, including domestic violence, health-related crises and police referrals.

Support from LIVEfree Project extended far beyond material aid. Families were provided with advocacy, transport assistance, support for families experiencing domestic violence and access to safe housing pathways — ensuring a holistic response to the challenges they face.

“Words cannot fully capture how it feels to sit with a person in need and witness their experience of feeling seen by a wider community who is caring and constant,” said Chris Jones, Executive Director of LIVEfree Project.

“Thank you Port Waratah for allowing LIVEfree to provide a continuum of care for the vulnerable in our city”.

Port Waratah is proud to support these LIVEfree programmes, part of the comprehensive range of services delivering safety, stability and hope.