New Free Women’s Clinic opens at Fletcher Street Cottage to Improve Access to Healthcare for Vulnerable Women
By Kate Love
A new nurse-led Women’s Clinic has launched at Fletcher Street Cottage, providing trauma-informed healthcare for women and their children experiencing hardship in the Byron Shire.
Designed as a safe, women-only and confidential environment, the weekly drop-in clinic runs every Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm. It offers preventative health care, chronic disease management, wound care, referrals to pathology and support navigating the health system. By embedding healthcare within an existing trusted Women’s Space, the clinic removes many of the barriers women face when accessing mainstream medical services.
Damian Farrell, Manager of Fletcher Street Cottage, said:
“For many women, healthcare has been something they’ve had to put last, often for years. This clinic is about meeting women where they are, with care that is respectful, trauma-informed and built on trust. Having a nurse onsite in the Women’s Space means women can take steps to look after their health without fear or judgement.”
Women experiencing or at risk of homelessness are significantly less likely to receive early diagnosis or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and mental health conditions. Older women are also one of the fastest-growing cohorts of people experiencing homelessness nationally, often experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’ such as couch surfing or living in cars.
Having a nurse onsite in the Women’s Space means women can take steps to look after their health without fear or judgement.
The Women’s Clinic operates weekly and is delivered by a contracted registered nurse working in partnership through One Bridge. The program also includes robust data collection and evaluation to track service use, health outcomes and women’s experiences, helping build evidence for long-term funding and sustainability.
Tracey Kristiansen, Program Lead and Peer Support Worker from One Bridge, said:
“Many of the women who come to the clinic haven’t had easy access to healthcare for a long time. By being based in the Women’s Space, we’re able to offer care in a way that feels calm, familiar and respectful. It’s often the first step for women to talk about their health concerns, get checked and be supported into further care if they need it.”
The onsite nurse is funded through Healthy North Coast’s Primary Care Impact Grants Chronic Disease Prevention Program over a 12-month period, improving access to medical care and reducing preventable hospital presentations.
Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager at Byron Community Centre, said:
“What makes this clinic so powerful is the environment. Women come here because they feel safe. Having a nurse embedded in the Women’s Space means health conversations can happen naturally, with dignity and compassion, and at a pace that feels right for each woman.”
The clinic is delivered as part of the Byron Women program and is supported by the Northern Rivers Community Foundation and a grant from Healthy North Coast, which covers the cost of a registered nurse salary, enabling a dedicated nurse to be onsite within the Women’s Space for a period of 12 months.
Monika Wheeler, CEO Healthy North Coast, said:
“Our Primary Care Impact Grants continue to make a difference in local health on the North Coast, with over $2.3 million having been awarded through 48 successful grants to date. This clinic is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when local expertise is backed with the resources to test, refine and scale innovative solutions that help people get better access to health care - especially our region’s most vulnerable.”
The Byron Women program at Fletcher Street Cottage is operated through the Byron Community Centre and supports women facing hardship through a weekly Women’s Space. The program provides support such as meals and laundry, emergency relief, support workers, domestic violence assistance and access to specialist services. The new clinic now brings healthcare into this trusted setting.
Women’s Clinic Details:
Women’s Space | 1pm - 3pm | Every Tuesday
Fletcher Street Cottage, 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
For more information about the Women’s Clinic or the Byron Women program, contact Fletcher Street Cottage on (02) 6685 7830, email fsc@byroncentre.com.au or visit 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay.
Donate to Byron Women at byronwomen.com.au
The Primary Care Impact Grants Chronic Disease Prevention Program - Byron Community Centre Ltd Grant is funded by Healthy North Coast through the North Coast PHN Program.
About Byron Community Centre An independent not-for-profit and charity that provides essential services, inclusive activities and inspiring events.
Byron Theatre | Byron Markets | Byron Spaces | Byron Volunteering | Byron Counselling | Fletcher Street Cottage
For more information: byroncentre.com.au
About Fletcher Street Cottage A community support hub offering daily essentials like breakfast, showers and laundry, alongside advocacy, referrals and access to specialist legal, employment and medical services.
For more information: fletcherstreetcottage.com.au
Programs: Byron Women (Women’s Space) | Breakfast Space | Art Space
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 7am - 12pm