Fletcher Street Cottage Highlights Growing Need for Women’s Support this International Women’s Day
This International Women’s Day (8 March 2026), Fletcher Street Cottage is shining a light on the growing number of local women seeking urgent support, through its women-focused program Byron Women.
Through the theme Care for Her, Byron Community Centre highlights the lived realities of women and their children experiencing domestic and family violence, financial instability and homelessness, and the vital role community-funded support plays in keeping women safe.
The Women’s Emergency Relief Fund provides immediate, flexible assistance to women in crisis, including transport to safe locations, food vouchers and financial aid. Managed by Community Support Workers, the program is designed to respond quickly at critical moments, when delays can put lives at risk.
Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager at Byron Community Centre, says:
“We are seeing more women reaching out for help, often at a point of real crisis. Byron Women exists so we can act immediately, without barriers or delays. It’s practical, it’s compassionate and it’s made possible by our community.”
Domestic and family violence remains one of the leading causes of homelessness for women. Many women seeking support are doing so quietly, often while caring for children, navigating trauma or trying to remain unseen for their own safety.
One woman escaping domestic violence who accessed Byron Women said the help arrived when she needed it most.
“I didn’t know where to go or who to trust. I just knew I couldn’t stay where I was. They helped me get somewhere safe straight away. It was the first time in a long time I felt like someone was really looking out for me.”
Another woman described the impact of being met with care rather than judgement.
“I wasn’t asked to explain everything or prove how bad things were. They just helped. That support gave me the space to breathe and start thinking about what came next.”
Alongside crisis support, Fletcher Street Cottage also offers Women’s Afternoon, a weekly women-only space providing access to showers, laundry, one-on-one support, specialist services, creative art activities and afternoon tea in a safe and welcoming environment. The program is delivered in partnership with Mullumbimby Women’s Resource Service, with session times kept confidential to protect privacy.
Bec adds:
“Care looks different for every woman. Sometimes it’s emergency transport or food. Sometimes it’s a quiet space, a shower, a conversation or a moment of calm. Byron Women is about meeting women where they are, with dignity and respect.”
As part of International Women’s Day, Fletcher Street Cottage is running a week-long campaign to raise awareness of vulnerable women and strengthen support for Byron Women and its women-focused programs, including Women’s Emergency Relief.
Fletcher Street Cottage is a community-funded service and relies on local generosity to continue responding to women in need.
Women seeking support can contact Fletcher Street Cottage directly by emailing fsc@byroncentre.com.au, calling (02) 6685 7830 or visiting 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay.
About Byron Community Centre: An independent not-for-profit that provides essential services, inclusive activities and inspiring events.
Byron Theatre | Byron Markets | Byron Spaces | Byron Volunteering | Fletcher Street Cottage
For more information please see: www.byroncentre.com.au.
About Fletcher Street Cottage: A community support hub that offers daily support through breakfast, showers and laundry, alongside advocacy, information and referrals, plus specialist services including legal aid, employment and medical care.
For more information please see: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
Programs: Byron Women | Breakfast Space | Art Space
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 7am - 12pm