Fletcher Street Cottage Launches Dedicated Women’s Afternoon to Support Vulnerable Women
A new weekly women-only service to provide safety, dignity and support in the heart of Byron Bay for women experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and financial insecurity.
Following the successful launch of the Women’s Space on International Women’s Day 2025, Fletcher Street Cottage is proud to announce the expansion of the initiative with the introduction of a dedicated Women’s Afternoon, beginning in late May 2025.
Women’s Space is the overall women’s support program at Fletcher Street Cottage, providing emergency relief and psychosocial support during regular opening hours. The introduction of a Women’s Afternoon is a significant expansion of this service, offering women-only access to facilities and specialist care in a private and welcoming space.
Held weekly from 1pm to 3pm, after Fletcher Street Cottage closes its general services at midday, Women’s Afternoon marks the first time Fletcher Street Cottage has opened exclusively for women. Women are invited to enjoy an Art Space facilitated by Community Support Worker Jennifer Abed, with all art materials provided, and a delicious afternoon tea.
Women attending will have access to:
Showers, laundry, meals and a private office space
One-on-one support from Community Support Workers
Flexible emergency relief, including food and fuel vouchers or financial crisis aid
Onsite specialist services, including:
Housing support and tenancy assistance
Legal advice and outreach
Mental health and trauma-informed counselling
Financial counselling and crisis support
Specialist domestic violence caseworker
Maddi Powell, Assistant Manager and Community Support Worker at Fletcher Street Cottage, said the new initiative addresses a growing need:
"Over the past three years, we have seen an increase in women arriving at Fletcher Street Cottage overwhelmed, isolated and unsure where to go. These women are often fleeing domestic and family violence, facing homelessness and do not have access to basic needs such as food, showers and safe shelter. A dedicated Women’s Afternoon creates a safe, welcoming space where women can be heard, supported and connected to the help they deserve. Sometimes, a quiet conversation and the right support can change the course of someone’s life."
That change is reflected in stories like that of a young mother who arrived at Fletcher Street Cottage homeless, recovering from surgery and unable to access government support.
“She couldn’t afford food, rent or transport, and her child was unable to attend school. A Community Support Worker provided emotional support, helped her gather documents and applied for a $1,000 emergency grant. Two weeks later, she returned beaming - healthy, hopeful, her child back in school, their car repaired and new housing in sight,” said Maddi.
To protect the safety of clients, the specific day of the week for Women’s Afternoon will be shared only with women interested in attending.
The Women’s Afternoon is partially funded by the generous support of the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation, with further funding needed. It builds on the established foundation of Fletcher Street Cottage and is delivered with the backing of the Byron Community Centre’s governance, infrastructure and long-standing commitment to community service.
To learn more or access support, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au, call (02) 6685 7830, email fsc@byroncentre.com.au or visit us at 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay.
About Fletcher Street Cottage
Fletcher Street Cottage is a service of the Byron Community Centre, providing meals, showers, laundry, case management and emergency relief for people doing it tough. More info: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au
Regular Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 7am - 12pm
In 2025, the Byron Community Centre is celebrating 130 Years of Community Spirit. More info: www.byroncentre.com.au
Stories of Impact
A Young Mother in Crisis
A young mum came to Fletcher Street Cottage homeless, recovering from surgery and unable to afford rent, food or transport. Her child couldn’t attend school, and the family had no access to government support. A Community Support Worker provided emotional support, helped her gather documents and applied for a $1,000 emergency grant. Two weeks later, she returned beaming - healthy, hopeful, her child back in school, their car repaired and new housing in sight.
Four Years Without a Home
A young woman was brought to Fletcher Street Cottage, withdrawn and clearly distressed. She had been homeless for over four years and had stopped eating properly after her Centrelink payments were cut off. A Community Support Worker sat with her, reinstated her payments within an hour and provided food vouchers. Though the first attempt at securing accommodation failed, she returned the next day calmer and more hopeful. This time, six nights of emergency housing were arranged, giving her a safe space and a way forward.
Escaping Domestic Violence
A woman arrived at Fletcher Street Cottage in a panic, days away from homelessness after fleeing domestic violence. With no local support and little awareness of available services, she was unsure where to turn. A Community Support Worker explained her options and connected her with the right services. Within days, she and her two children had emergency accommodation and received food and fuel vouchers to help bridge the gap. That first step gave her safety, direction and hope.