When tragedy strikes, families are often left navigating a maze of grief, unanswered questions, and legal processes. For one family currently going through a coronial inquest following the sudden and unexpected death of their loved one, this journey has been both emotionally devastating and financially draining. As they search for answers and justice, the simple act of staying connected — with their legal support, case workers, extended family, and emotional support networks — has become absolutely critical. Yet, amid the stress and trauma, even the cost of phone credit can become a burden. That’s why the donation of a 12-month Optus phone credit has meant more than just access to calls or data. It has meant peace of mind. It has meant the ability to receive updates from the coroner’s office without fear of running out of credit. It has meant being able to call a mental health line during a panic attack at night. It has meant sending a text to a sibling hundreds of kilometres away to say, “I’m not okay — but I’m getting through today.” In their own words: “We didn’t realise how much we relied on our phones until this started. It’s how we talk to the lawyer, check court dates, or just cry on the phone with a friend. The phone credit gave us one less thing to worry about.” For families enduring the painful, often isolating experience of a coronial inquest, every bit of support matters. Thanks to the generous donation from Optus, this family could stay connected when it mattered most — helping them feel less alone in one of the hardest chapters of their lives.