A time to come together: Nine’s annual holiday hamper program

Nine’s holiday hamper program dates back more than 40 years, (formerly the Nine Network, under Kerry Packer) where employees across the country were given hampers to mark the conclusion of the year and the holiday break. Speaking to some of Nine’s employees whose tenures exceed 40 years, the image of two polystyrene boxes with a tin of ham, crackers, bottled beverages and assorted chocolates and sharing foods comes to mind. So too do images of the original distribution locations in Nine’s former Willoughby office, where the team would set up a tent and a fridge in a truck in the carpark, with some days reaching 40 degrees during collection windows. For those in Nine’s Adelaide offices, a large mobile fridge trailer driving all the way from Castlemaine in Victoria comes to mind.

For those in Sydney, when Nine’s Sydney office relocated to Denison Street, North Sydney, hamper program organisers had the opportunity to take up residence in Studio A, a space more well-known for its filming of Stan Sport and Wide World of Sports broadcasts, A Current Affair episodes and many other backdrops familiar in Australian households during Nine’s programs. For those located across the country at our other office locations, two words come to mind when asked to reflect on the holiday hamper experience at their office locations: community and tradition. 

The holiday season also provides an opportunity to give back. Nine is proud to partner with the Rev Bill Crews Foundation with our annual Christmas Donation Drive. This initiative helps provide comfort and dignity to those who need it through the collection of essential items and gifts for individuals and families.

While Nine’s annual holiday hampers have continued to evolve to suit the diverse recipients (tech packs, kitchen essentials, non-perishable items, summer-themed gifts, a ham for sharing), the intention of the gift is a mainstay remains the same – the coming together of the Nine community.

“The Nine hamper program has always been a wonderful way for the company to thank staff, I recall in my early days at Nine nearly 30 years ago, it came complete with a thoughtful Christmas card from the CEO. Once we even had a staff member rugged up inside the fridge in the middle of summer, dispensing the hams into foam boxes for collection! It was always a joy to watch staff receive their hampers, they would come in groups, very excited, and there was such a Christmas spirit in the air, and for those who were assisting in the collection process, it felt like they were Father Christmas giving them their Christmas present. The tradition has continued to evolve. The hamper has become more than just a ham; it’s grown to include non-perishable snacks and gift items.” – Asmina, Adelaide office.

“The vibe is undeniable, everyone is so excited and we always play Christmas Carols. End of year hamper distribution is quite a process and we like to get everyone together and in the festive spirit!” – Karen, Mt Coot-tha office.

“In past years, if we had surplus or uncollected hams, we would make platters of ham sandwiches for staff working during the week between Christmas and New Year. The sandwiches became more complex, adding cheese & tomato. This was always well-received, though we rarely have surplus these days!” – Asmina, Adelaide office.

“When it comes to the Hampers we all get very excited as this starts the sparkle with our Christmas Spirit. We are grateful to be a part of this program and feel appreciated with everything that we have done over the years when it comes to 4BC and Nine.” – 4BC team.