Catering for the needs of the community, people who may be alone or unable to afford a big Christmas lunch, the Community @ 3 sourced donations of toys and earned a grant from Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams to provide a spread of hams, salads and pudding.

“About 40 people and 10 volunteers enjoyed Christmas lunch together,” said a Community @ 3 spokesperson.

“A musician from Port Macquarie came down and we had a jam session. People were bopping away. The children all received a gift, there was a great atmosphere.”

The spokesperson said the number one priority for the group in 2017 is to establish emergency accommodation and shelter.

“We want to be able to provide emergency accommodation for the homeless for a few weeks at a time, while we assist in trying to help them long-term with finding housing and support.

“We are looking to either purchase or rent a place for this purpose and will explore our options to make it happen.”

Friday barbecues are hosted weekly on the Camden Haven River foreshore behind the Laurieton United Services Club from 3pm.