Byron Bay Rotary Donates $5,000 to Support Women in Crisis
By Kate Love
The Rotary Club of Byron Bay has donated $5,000 to the Women’s Emergency Relief Fund at Fletcher Street Cottage, helping local women facing domestic and family violence, housing insecurity and financial hardship.
The fund is part of the Byron Women program, which provides essential, compassionate support to women across the Byron Shire, including emergency transport, food vouchers and financial aid. The ER program assists women of all ages, including mothers, grandmothers and young women, who are often among the most vulnerable in the community.
Vanessa Wood from the Rotary Club of Byron Bay said the donation reflects Rotary’s ongoing commitment to community wellbeing.
“Rotary has a long history of supporting local projects that make a real difference. The Women’s Emergency Relief Fund provides vital, immediate help for women and families in crisis, and we’re proud to stand alongside Fletcher Street Cottage in ensuring local women have somewhere to turn when they need it most.”
Rebecca Robinson, Relationships Manager at the Byron Community Centre, said the Rotary Club’s generosity will have a direct and lasting impact.
“This donation will support women who need it most, women fleeing unsafe situations or struggling to find secure housing. The Byron Bay Rotary Club’s support will help us continue to provide safety and hope during the toughest times.”
Michelle Heuer, Acting General Manager at Byron Community Centre, added:
“Every week, we see women facing incredibly difficult circumstances. This funding will help provide emergency accommodation, essential supplies and one-on-one support to help women start rebuilding their lives. We’re deeply grateful to Rotary for their compassion and community spirit.”
Fletcher Street Cottage, operated by the Byron Community Centre, provides vital support for those facing hardship in the Byron Shire. Services include meals, showers, laundry, advocacy, healthcare and the Byron Women program, which offers tailored support for women in crisis.
To learn more about Fletcher Street Cottage and to donate, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
Byron Women’s Emergency Relief Fund
The Women’s Emergency Relief (ER) fund is a community-funded lifeline designed to offer immediate assistance to women facing the most desperate of situations. It provides rapid, practical support for women in crisis, ensuring their immediate safety and wellbeing. Women escaping dangerous situations can access discreet emergency transport to safe locations, while those facing hunger, including mothers with children, receive food vouchers to ensure they are not left without essentials. The program also provides assistance with urgent expenses such as overdue bills, helping prevent further financial hardship and supporting women to stabilise their lives during their most vulnerable moments.
About Fletcher Street Cottage
Fletcher Street Cottage is a community support service operated by the Byron Community Centre, providing meals, showers, laundry, advocacy, referrals and specialist programs including Byron Women. It’s a safe, welcoming space helping locals in need find care, dignity and a pathway to secure housing.