Winter Jackets, Naturopathy Students and Housing Success

13th July – 17th July 2026

From donated winter jackets and new naturopathy students to a community coming together to help a man move into new housing, it's been another week of compassion, collaboration and practical support at Fletcher Street Cottage.

Highlights

• We welcomed a new group of naturopathy students to Fletcher Street Cottage as they begin their placement with us. These students bring a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, helping participants access complementary health support while gaining valuable frontline experience. Placements like these continue to strengthen our service with fresh ideas, skills and perspectives.
• A heartfelt thank you to Alice and Andrew from the Order of Malta, who generously donated four boxes of high-quality weatherproof jackets. These jackets are invaluable during winter, helping people sleeping rough stay warm, dry and protected from the elements.
• We're excited to continue growing our partnership with Byron Community College, with Jen joining to manage our Art Space. The College is also recruiting an IT support facilitator who will provide digital assistance to staff, volunteers and participants, helping improve digital confidence and access across our community.
• We were delighted to welcome back Justin, who completed his social work placement with Fletcher Street Cottage and has now volunteered as one of our Welcome Workers. Volunteers like Justin create a welcoming environment where participants feel supported from the moment they arrive.
• This week, a man who had been living in his car after being evicted from local cabins secured private rental accommodation, sharing a home with a friend. Although he was unable to drive due to not having a current licence, staff, volunteers and participants worked together to coordinate the safe transport of his vehicle and belongings to his new home. It was a wonderful example of the Fletcher Street Cottage community coming together, thinking creatively and supporting one another to achieve positive outcomes.

‍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: Liver Clinic at Fletcher Street Cottage