Student Placements, Family Reconnection and Free Haircuts

11th – 15th May 2026

This week at Fletcher Street Cottage we welcomed new students, strengthened domestic violence sector collaboration and supported a participant to reconnect with family. Here’s a snapshot of what happened.

Highlights

• We warmly welcomed new counselling placement students Jordy and Tashana from Australian College of Applied Psychology and IKON Institute of Australia. Students bring fresh ideas, skills and perspectives to Fletcher Street Cottage, helping enrich the experience for participants while gaining valuable frontline experience themselves.
• Staff attended the Byron Shire Committee Against Domestic Violence bi-monthly meeting, joining stakeholders from across the region to discuss solutions, share information and strengthen support pathways for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
• This week, we supported a male participant to reunite with his family in Queensland. Fletcher Street Cottage provided practical and emotional support to help him navigate travel arrangements and reconnect with loved ones. Sometimes meaningful support means helping people find a pathway home.
• A big thank you to the Byron Bay Cookie Company for donating boxes of cookies for participants, volunteers and staff. Contributions from local businesses help bring moments of joy and connection to people doing it tough (see photo).
• We were also delighted to welcome back Tegan, our volunteer hairdresser, who generously donates her time each month to provide free haircuts for participants. Services like this help Fletcher Street Cottage remain a welcoming one-stop support space where people can access practical care and feel valued.

About Fletcher Street Cottage

Fletcher Street Cottage is a community hub in the heart of Byron Bay, providing essential support for locals in need. Our services include nutritious meals, access to showers and laundry, advocacy, health and wellbeing programs, and creative initiatives like Women’s Space and Art Space, all designed to help people move toward stability and self sufficiency. With the support of our volunteers, partners and donors, we continue to make a difference every day.