Directory of festive season support available to Woollahra residents

Published on 27 November 2024

As the holiday season approaches, we want to ensure all our Woollahra residents have access to important resources and support, especially during a time that can be stressful or challenging for some.

We have included information below where you can get access to emergency accommodation, food and mental health support. Help is just a phone call away.

Crisis Directory

The Junction Neighbourhood Centre (JNC) have compiled a comprehensive directory(PDF, 665KB)  featuring:

• Emergency Assistance & Food
• Emergency Accommodation
• Financial Counselling, Legal Advice and Low Interest Loans Emergency Telephone Support
• Mental Health Support

Access the Crisis directory here(PDF, 665KB).

Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for a way to give back and spread holiday cheer? The Salvation Army features a number of opportunities for volunteers during the holidays. This could be a wonderful opportunity for residents to share their time and make a positive impact.

You could also Donate a Plate and sponsor a Christmas meal with all the trimmings, and ensure that people doing it tough during the holiday season receive the love, care and support they deserve.

Don't be alone this Christmas

Not everyone in our community has friends or family to connect with during the festive season. If you or someone you care about needs some support or just a friendly face during the holidays we have an amazing group of organisations and volunteers who want to make sure everyone feels loved.

Bondi Beach Community Xmas Day Lunch

Join us for FREE Xmas lunch, music, gifts and entertainment

When: Wednesday 25 December, From 11am
Where: Bondi Surf Club, Scenic Lounge

Everyone Is Welcome.
RSVP/Enquiries: xmas@bondisurfclub.com

Wayside Chapel annual Christmas Day Street Party

Come down to Hughes Street, Kings Cross on Christmas Day to celebrate with our community. There will be live music with a DJ, dancing, fantastic activities including a (fake) tattoo parlour and photo-booth, and a delicious 3-course Christmas lunch.
There will also be an appearance by the one and only Santa Claus!

Christmas is often the hardest time of year for people experiencing homelessness and isolation. We invite you to come along and celebrate with Wayside Chapel and show our visitors that they are loved and not forgotten.
Everyone is welcome at our table! We hope to see you there.

When: Wednesday 25 December, From 9am
Where: Wayside Chapel, Kings Cross, 29 Hughes St, Potts Point

Domestic & Family Violence Resources

This Christmas Crisis Directory(PDF, 1MB), compiled by Eastern Sydney Domestic Violence Network (ESDVN), outlines crisis support services available during the holidays.

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. Sadly, for many families this is not the case. Domestic violence incidents increase around the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The main reasons for this are:

• Increased drinking and parties
• Financial Stress
• Spending more time with family than usual
• Relatives coming to stay
• Contact with children and changes to normal arrangements

The impact of this is made worse by many domestic violence services closing over Christmas. These tips(PDF, 1MB) may be of assistance.

Christmas Safety planning

• Always keep your mobile phone on and call 000 if you are scared or in danger

• Use the information on this brochure(PDF, 1MB) to know where you can go for help

• Tell someone that will be close by over the holidays about what is happening so you can call on them for help or go to their house if you need to leave

• Develop a code word with that person that tells them they should call the police

• Stay sober and alert of what is going on around you and trust your instincts (if it doesn’t feel right get away)

• Talk to your children about what they should do in an emergency and develop a code word for them to know to leave, go to a neighbour’s house or call the police

If you are currently in an abusive relationship

• Be prepared to leave: have a bag packed with important documents like passports, birth certificates, medication, money, ADVO

• Identify a room in the house you could lock yourself into and call the police if you are unable to get out

If you have left the relationship and are still experiencing abuse:

• Try not to be alone with your ex-partner

• If they have planned contact with the children arrange handover away from your home and with someone else present

• Think about home safety: talk to police, change your locks, ensure windows and doors are secure, put in sensor lights

• Always keep a copy of your ADVO and report any breaches to police

Visit our Domestic Family and Sexual Violence page for more information.

Community Services and Programs