At the Byron Community Centre, volunteers are more than just helping hands. They are the heartbeat of everything we do. From our social enterprises to our support services, it is the passion and presence of volunteers that help create a connected, inclusive and compassionate Byron Bay.
With 250 active volunteers in 2025, the Byron Community Centre hums with quiet acts of kindness and commitment. Whether it’s cooking breakfast for people doing it tough at Fletcher Street Cottage, ushering crowds at Byron Theatre, greeting visitors at reception or helping with admin, communications and events, our volunteers show up with care. Day after day.
Each of our initiatives plays a vital role in supporting the community. Fletcher Street Cottage provides showers, meals and connection for people experiencing homelessness and hardship. Our Byron Seniors Club helps reduce isolation among older residents. Byron Theatre and Byron Markets are cultural touchstones. Byron Spaces offers affordable work and meeting spaces to keep creativity and collaboration alive. Behind every program is a network of dedicated volunteers making it all possible.
“Volunteers are the cornerstone of our community. They forge strong social bonds and unite people around shared values, generosity, creativity and compassion. Their impact is lasting and immeasurable.” - Cathy Levins-Byres, Volunteer Coordinator
That impact is felt not just by the people we support, but by the volunteers themselves. For many, volunteering offers connection, purpose and a chance to grow. We welcome people from all walks of life, including students, retirees, local business owners and visitors looking to give back. We also support Work Development Orders and student placements, helping people contribute in ways that match their strengths, availability and interests.
Amanda Peters, a long-time volunteer at Fletcher Street Cottage, embodies the spirit of service that lives here. In 2023, Amanda was named both Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year and Northern Rivers Senior Volunteer of the Year, having dedicated more than 550 hours to the cottage.
“Volunteering at Fletcher Street Cottage has been the most rewarding experience of my life. It’s a team of volunteers who make a difference for those in need. My heart fills up every time I see a positive change in someone. It’s the little things that make volunteering so worthwhile.” - Amanda Peters, Cottage Keeper
Being part of The Centre for Volunteering has helped us support and grow our volunteer programs. From providing trusted resources and strategy guidance to shining a light on our team during National Volunteer Week, their support helps us stay connected to best practice and advocacy across NSW.
What we’ve learnt is simple: volunteering transforms lives, not just for those receiving support, but for those giving it. It builds a culture of trust, care and belonging. And it ensures that our community is not just surviving, but thriving: together.
Thinking of volunteering? You don’t need special skills – just a desire to make a difference. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, theatre, events, gardening or admin, we have a place for you.
Because here, at the Byron Community Centre, community isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we build. One volunteer at a time.
