Give Her Space: Fletcher Street Cottage EOFY Appeal to Support Local Women in Crisis
As demand for women’s support services continues to grow in the Byron Shire, Byron Community Centre has launched its EOFY appeal - Give Her Space - to raise urgent funds for the expansion of the Women’s Space at Fletcher Street Cottage.
In 2025 alone, more than 800 visits have been made by women accessing the Women’s Space. Since opening three years ago, Fletcher Street Cottage has seen over 4,000 visits, with women seeking safety, support and connection.
Many are escaping domestic violence. Some are living in cars or tents. Some are facing financial hardship or social isolation. The Women’s Space is one of the only dedicated, trauma-informed services of its kind in Byron Bay.
“Each week, we meet women who are scared, exhausted and alone,” says Maddi Powell, Assistant Manager and Community Support Worker. "The Women’s Space gives them somewhere to feel safe, breathe and begin again. But with more and more women turning to us for help, we urgently need community support to keep this vital program running and growing."
The Women’s Space offers emergency relief, housing and domestic violence referrals, hygiene kits and food supplies, psychosocial support and advocacy - all in a private, welcoming environment.
A new weekly Women’s Afternoon has recently been introduced, providing a safe space for women to connect, share meals and engage in creative expression. The vision is to expand the Women’s Space to a full day each week to meet growing community need.
Women who have accessed the service say the impact is life-changing:
“This is the first place I’ve felt safe in months. I had a shower, something to eat and someone found me a place to stay. That changed everything.”
“I came here with nothing and no one. Now I have support, I have hope and I’m starting to rebuild.”
“You walk in and you’re treated like you matter. Not judged, not rushed. That means more than words can say.”
Tax-deductible donations made before 30 June will help keep the Women’s Space open and allow it to grow to meet urgent demand.
To learn and donate, visit fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
The weekly Women’s Afternoon is a proud partnership with the Mullumbimby Women’s Resource Service (WRS).
Byron Community Centre is an independent not-for-profit and charity that provides essential services including meals, advocacy and counselling, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community. For more information: www.byroncentre.com.au.
Fletcher Street Cottage provides support and services for people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges and hardship. For more information: www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 7am - 12pm
Women’s Afternoon: Day and time kept private for safety reasons - any interested women please contact Fletcher Street Cottage for details.
Contact Info
Email: fsc@byroncentre.com.au
Phone: (02) 6685 7830
Address: 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481