Rough Sleeping Numbers Decline Across Byron Shire as Fletcher Street Cottage Continues Frontline Community Support
New figures from the 2026 NSW Street Count show rough sleeping numbers in Byron Shire have declined for the second consecutive year, falling from a high of 348 people in 2024 to 245 people in 2026.
Fletcher Street Cottage Manager Damian Farrell welcomed the results, saying they reflect the positive impact of coordinated local responses and frontline support services across the region.
“As part of the 2026 Street Count in Byron Shire, it is encouraging to see the positive impact that coordinated local responses and frontline support services at Fletcher Street Cottage are continuing to have within our community,” Mr Farrell said.
“The reduction in rough sleeping numbers for the second year in a row highlights the importance of collaboration between local organisations, specialist homelessness providers, government agencies and community support workers who are all working together toward the shared goal of reducing street sleeping.”
Operated by Byron Community Centre, Fletcher Street Cottage is part of the Byron Shire End Street Sleeping Collaboration and provides practical support, referrals, advocacy and connection for people experiencing hardship.
“At Fletcher Street Cottage, our Community Support Workers and specialist partner service providers, from housing support to legal aid and medical care, support vulnerable people every day through integrated, person-centred care,” Mr Farrell said.
“We are seeing positive outcomes when people are connected with the right services, housing pathways and ongoing support.”
Mr Farrell said the results also highlight the growing complexity of need within the community, particularly among vulnerable women, older people and families.
“While these figures are encouraging, we are continuing to see increasing demand from women experiencing domestic violence, older people, families and individuals facing housing insecurity, financial stress and cost of living pressures,” he said.
Mr Farrell participated in the Byron Shire Street Count on behalf of Fletcher Street Cottage in February 2026, coordinated by the NSW Department of Communities and Justice in partnership with local service providers and community organisations.
Byron Community Centre Relationships Manager Bec Robinson said community support remains essential to sustaining frontline services in the Byron Shire.
“Fletcher Street Cottage receives no ongoing operational state or federal government funding, despite the increasing demand we are responding to every day, not only from people sleeping rough, but from a growing number of those facing hardship across the Byron Shire,” Ms Robinson said.
“The generosity of our local community, donors, volunteers and partners is what allows Fletcher Street Cottage to continue operating and supporting vulnerable people across the Byron Shire.”
Every donation, partnership and act of community support helps ensure people experiencing hardship can access practical care, connection and pathways toward stability.
Learn more and donate to at www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au
fsc@byroncentre.com.au | (02) 6685 7830 | 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
About Byron Community Centre:
An independent not-for-profit and charity providing essential support services, inclusive community programs, arts and cultural experiences, and social enterprises that strengthen connection and wellbeing across the Byron Shire.
Byron Theatre | Byron Markets | Byron Spaces | Byron Volunteering | Fletcher Street Cottage
About Fletcher Street Cottage:
A community support hub providing practical support and connection. Services include free breakfasts, showers and laundry facilities, advocacy, referrals and access to specialist partner services including healthcare, legal support, housing assistance and employment pathways.
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