Student Placements, Paddle Out and Team Wellbeing

September 1st - 25th 2026

A Fletcher Street Cottage, we welcomed new students, continued our partnership with Southern Cross University's Naturopathy Clinic and took time to support the wellbeing of our team. Here’s a snapshot of what happened.

Highlights

• This week, we welcomed two new student placements, Leyla and Robert, who will be joining Fletcher Street Cottage for the next three months while completing their studies in counselling and art therapy. Student placements bring new skills, perspectives and creativity to our service while providing valuable frontline experience in a supportive community environment.
• Sam Hilton from the Spirited Foundation visited Fletcher Street Cottage to share details of an upcoming paddle out raising awareness and support for young people affected by domestic violence. The event will take place in Byron Bay on Saturday 10 October at 9am, alongside paddle outs in other locations nationally and internationally, bringing communities together around an important cause.
• We’re pleased to have naturopathy students from Southern Cross University continuing at Fletcher Street Cottage for another semester. They’ll remain with us until November, offering their time, knowledge and holistic health support to participants while gaining valuable practical experience.
• Our team took part in a wellbeing session with Dr Jane Barker, creating a supportive space to slow down, check in with one another and reflect on some of the thoughts and feelings that can arise through our work. These sessions provide an important opportunity for connection, reflection and care for the people who spend each week supporting others.

‍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.

Photo: Paddle Out - Damian Farrell and Sam Hilton (Spirited Foundation)