On International Women’s Day 2025, Fletcher Street Cottage proudly launched Women’s Space – a dedicated initiative supporting women in the Byron Shire who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, hardship or trauma.
Developed in response to a growing need identified through our services and programs, the Women’s Space aims to create a safe, respectful and inclusive environment where women can access essential services and specialist support.
Now, the program is expanding to include a dedicated weekly Women’s Afternoon, providing private access to facilities and tailored support each week.
What Is Women’s Afternoon?
Launching in the second week of May 2025, Women’s Afternoon will run every week from 1pm to 3pm, after Fletcher Street Cottage’s general services close at 12pm. During this time, women will have exclusive access to:
- Basic needs facilities including showers, laundry, meals and a quiet office space
- One-on-one support from Community Support Workers
- Flexible emergency relief such as food and fuel vouchers or crisis financial aid
- Onsite visits from specialist service partners offering:
- Housing support and tenancy assistance
- Legal advice and outreach
- Mental health and trauma-informed counselling
- Financial counselling and crisis support
No referral is required. All women are welcome to attend and access support in a calm, private and compassionate environment. The day of the week for the Women's Afternoon is kept private to ensure a safe and welcoming space, and shared only with those women interested in attending.
Thoughtfully Designed, Community Led
The Women’s Afternoon is supported by experienced female staff, established partnerships and purpose-equipped facilities. Community outreach is already underway to connect with local services and ensure women know this space is available to them.
This program is being launched through the support of private grants and community donations, to support vulnerable women who are facing housing insecurity, domestic violence and
By building on the strong foundation of Fletcher Street Cottage and supported by the governance and infrastructure of Byron Community Centre, the Women’s Space program expansion to offer a Women's Afternoon is a cost-effective, high-impact response to a critical need in our community.
To learn more or access support, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au, call us on (02) 6685 7830, email our team at fsc@byroncentre.com.au or drop in to 18 Fletcher, Byron Bay.
The Women's Space, including the new Women's Afternoon, is proudly supported by the Bangalow CWA and James Frizelle Charitable Foundation.
