A new nurse led Women’s Clinic has opened at Fletcher Street Cottage, creating a safe and accessible way for women in the Byron Shire to receive essential healthcare.
Operating every Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm, the free clinic supports women who may be experiencing hardship, housing instability or difficulty accessing medical services. Delivered within the Women’s Space at Fletcher Street Cottage, it offers a calm, confidential and trauma informed environment where women can access care without fear or judgement.
The clinic is part of the Byron Women program, run by Byron Community Centre, which provides connection, practical support and access to essential services. By integrating healthcare into this existing program, women can receive medical care alongside the broader support they may already be accessing.
“For many women, healthcare has been something they’ve had to put last, often for years. This clinic is about meeting women where they are, with care that is respectful, trauma informed and built on trust. Having a nurse onsite in the Women’s Space means women can take steps to look after their health without fear or judgement.”
– Damian Farrell, Manager of Fletcher Street Cottage
Women experiencing or at risk of homelessness are significantly less likely to receive early diagnosis or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illness and mental health conditions. Older women are also one of the fastest growing groups experiencing homelessness nationally, often in less visible forms such as couch surfing or living in cars.
The Women’s Clinic responds directly to these challenges by offering a low barrier, walk in service that does not require an appointment, referral, Medicare or identification. Women can attend, speak with a registered nurse, receive care and be supported with referrals where ongoing treatment is needed.
The weekly clinic provides a wide range of health support, including preventative health care, chronic disease management, wound care, referrals to pathology and assistance navigating the health system. Women can also receive support with medication guidance, mental health referrals, vaccinations and connecting with local GPs and specialists.
The clinic is delivered by a contracted registered nurse through a partnership with One Bridge and includes data collection and evaluation to help track service use, health outcomes and women’s experiences, supporting future funding and sustainability.
“Many of the women who come to the clinic haven’t had easy access to healthcare for a long time. By being based in the Women’s Space, we are able to offer care in a way that feels calm, familiar and respectful. It’s often the first step for women to talk about their health concerns, get checked and be supported into further care if they need it.”
– Tracey Kristiansen, Program Lead and Peer Support Worker from One Bridge
The onsite nurse is funded through Healthy North Coast’s Primary Care Impact Grants Chronic Disease Prevention Program, improving access to care and helping reduce preventable hospital presentations.
“What makes this clinic so powerful is the environment,” says Bec Robinson, Relationships Manager at Byron Community Centre. “Women come here because they feel safe. Having a nurse embedded in the Women’s Space means health conversations can happen naturally, with dignity and compassion, and at a pace that feels right for each woman.”
The Byron Women program at Fletcher Street Cottage continues to support women across the region with meals, laundry, emergency relief, support workers, domestic violence assistance and access to specialist services. The addition of the Women’s Clinic strengthens this support, bringing healthcare into a trusted and welcoming setting.
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