International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength and contribution of women across our community. It is also a time to acknowledge the women who are quietly navigating crisis, often without anyone knowing.
This year, Fletcher Street Cottage is marking International Women’s Day with a week long Care for Her campaign, shining a light on the growing number of local women seeking urgent support.
Through Byron Women, our women focused program, we are responding to women experiencing domestic and family violence, financial instability and homelessness. Many are caring for children while trying to remain safe. Some are reaching out at a moment of real crisis, unsure where to turn.
The Women’s Emergency Relief Fund allows us to provide immediate, flexible assistance when it matters most. This can include transport to a safe location, food vouchers or financial aid. Managed by our Community Support Workers, the fund is designed to respond quickly, because delays can put lives at risk.
As Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager at Byron Community Centre, explains:
“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. For many, seeking help is an act of courage.
“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.”
“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 response, Fletcher Street Cottage hosts Women’s Afternoon, a weekly women only space delivered in partnership with Mullumbimby Women’s Resource Service. The program provides access to showers, laundry, one on one support, specialist services, creative activities and afternoon tea in a safe and welcoming environment. Session times remain confidential to protect privacy and safety.
This International Women’s Day, Care for Her is not just a message. It is a call to recognise that women in crisis are part of our local community. They are neighbours, mothers, daughters and friends.
Fletcher Street Cottage is community funded and relies on local generosity to continue responding when women need support most. Every contribution strengthens Byron Women and the Women’s Emergency Relief Fund, ensuring help can be provided immediately, without barriers or delay.
If you would like to stand with women in our community this International Women’s Day, you can support Byron Women and its women focused programs through Fletcher Street Cottage.
Together, we can ensure care is practical, immediate and available when it matters most.
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.
.png)
