No one should feel alone during the festive season. Across Sydney and the Blue Mountains, many local organisations are offering free meals, hampers, festive events, and support services throughout December to help residents feel connected and supported.
Link Wentworth has compiled a list of services, making it easier for you or someone you know to find assistance this Christmas. Most services are open to everyone, no referral required. We recommend contacting providers directly to confirm details such as availability, registration requirements, or any last-minute changes.
Below, you’ll find services grouped by region, including dates, times, and how to access each one. Or download the brochure here.
Ryde and Burwood
Ryde Wharf Markets
Location: Anderson Park and Ryde Wharf, Meadowbank (corner of Belmore St and Rothsay Ave) Meadowbank
Service: Fresh produce, hot food and homewares
When: Sunday 14 December and Sunday 28 December
North Ryde Christian Church
Address: 12 Pindari Street, North Ryde
Service: Free food hampers
When: Every Wednesday, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Salvation Army – Ryde
Service: Christmas Lunch and Hampers
Friday 20 December
Contact: 0478529423 for more information
Salvation Army – Burwood
Address: 32 Wilga Street, Burwood
Service: Christmas Hope Meal (free community celebration)
When: Saturday 20 December, 10:30am – 1:00pm
Parramatta
City of Parramatta Senior’s Event
Address: 353 Church Street, Parramatta
Service: Seniors’ Christmas Celebration
When: Wednesday 10 December, 9:30am – 1:00pm
Salvation Army – Parramatta Christmas Brunch
Address: 426 Church Street, Parramatta
Service: Christmas Brunch
When: Monday 22 December, 9:30am – 11:00am
Salvation Army – Christmas Carols
Address: 426 Church Street, Parramatta
Service: Community Christmas Carols
When: Sunday 17 December, 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Northern Beaches
Salvation Army – Manly
Address: 59 Pittwater Road, Manly
Service: Christmas Eve Service and Meal
When: Tuesday 23 December, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Blue Mountains
Belong Blue Mountains
Service: Food parcels, walk-in support and Christmas hampers
How to access: Registration required by Friday 12 December
Contact: 0247 821 117.
Western Sydney (Penrith, St Marys, Richmond)
Salvation Army St Mary’s
Address: 216 Queen Street
Service: Free meal service
When: Contact 9421 4450 for more information
Richmond Community Services
Address: 20 West Market Street, Richmond
Service: Community BBQ
When: Wednesday 10 December 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Mama Lana’s Community Foundation
Address: The Little White House, 56 Woodriff Street, Penrith
Regular Service: Free meal service, Monday–Saturday, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Christmas Day Takeaway Lunch: Wednesday 25 December, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Contact: 0407 909 447
Paying It Forward
Address: Jamison Park, Penrith, First Entry to the Park from York Road
Service: Free dinner meal service
When: Provided every Sunday evening from 5:30pm, contact: 0459 262 637
Anglicare – Mt Druitt / Penrith
Service: Free food parcels, walk-ins and Christmas hampers
Access: Via phone line on Tuesday 24 November
Contact: 02 8624 8600
Penrith Community Kitchen
Service: Free takeaway meals for Christmas, hampers plus Santa and toys from Rotary
When: Friday 19 Dec
Normal Lunch Service Mon – Fri from 11:30 am–1:30 pm (Closed public holidays)
Contact: 02 8624 8600
Sydney City & Inner Sydney
Salvation Army – Sydney City
Address: Level 4, 140 Elizabeth Street, Sydney
Service: Hope Dinner Christmas Party
When: Wednesday 3 December, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Wayside Chapel – Potts Point
Address: 29 Hughes Street, Potts Point
Service: Christmas Day Breakfast, Chapel Service, Lunch and Street Party
When: Thursday 25 December, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Community Christmas Lunch – Redfern
Address: 123 Cope Street, Redfern (Salvation Army)
Service: Christmas themed Lunch
When: Tuesday 16 December, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
Service: Large outdoor Christmas carols event
When: Saturday 20 December 5:30pm to 7:45pm
