2025 Snapshot: Milestones and Growth

2025 was a year of milestones, growth, recognition, and inspiration for LIVEfree Project. It was a year that reminded us why we do what we do: to walk alongside individuals, families, and youth, to provide care, guidance, and opportunity where it is needed most.

Awards and Recognition

Our work received remarkable recognition: state finalists for NSW Volunteer Awards for our Excellence in Charity Organisation Governance, and won the Hunter's 2025 Best Overall Volunteer Team for our Community Backyard Brekky Program.

State finalists for Awards Australia NSW Community Awards in Health & Wellbeing and Connecting Communities, finalists in the Hunter Business Awards for Outstanding Community Organisation and Outstanding Employee.

Our social work placement student, Taylah Brandobour, received a Highly Commended Award in the Newcastle University Career Readiness Award. LIVEfree Project was also a finalist in the Hall of Fame partnership awards for producing workplace opportunities for students.

Student Achievements

Our students shone brightly, receiving 22 awards in academics, civic engagement, community involvement, and wellbeing. These achievements reflect the resilience, growth, and determination of young people overcoming significant challenges.

Funding and Launch of New Programs

Two new pivotal programs were launched:

• Stronger Families, partially funded by Newcastle City Council, supports families navigating challenges, ensuring children thrive in safe, nurturing environments.

• Side by Side, funded by Primary Health Network, provides suicide prevention support directly into community spaces, fostering connection, safety, and resilience.

Night to Spark Change

We launched Night to Spark Change, an initiative igniting awareness, action, and connection within our community. This program marks a new chapter in LIVEfree Project’s mission to empower local young people and families.

Celebrating and Appreciating Our Valuable Community Partnerships

We were humbled to receive opportunities to partner and fund our important community work with; Newcastle City Council, IMB Community Foundation, Orica Global Impact, Volunteering NSW, Port Waratah Coal Services, Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group, Newcastle Local Drug and Alcohol Team, Newcastle Community Drug and Alcohol Team, , One Rail, Silver Chef, Primary Health Network, Matana Foundation, Cooper Foundation, the Wheeler Foundation and Shine On Foundation.

We also couldn’t do any of this without the dedication, intentionality and generosity of our Grassroots Sponsors, and the ongoing support of our incredible community partners, Grill’d Kotara and Harry’s Schnitzel. Your belief in this work, and your willingness to continually walk alongside us helps make these moments of care and connection possible for young people in our community.

Their partnerships enabled programs that will transform the lives of children, families, and the wider Newcastle region in 2026.

As we look to 2026, the opportunities ahead are limitless. With your continued support, we will grow, innovate, and continue walking alongside our community. Together, we create stories of hope, transformation, and resilience—one life, one family, one connection at a time.