Maddi Wins Zonta Award for Young Women in Leadership

Fletcher Street Cottage’s Maddi Powell Wins Zonta Award for Young Women in Leadership

Fletcher Street Cottage is proud to announce that Maddi Powell, Assistant Manager and Community Support Worker, has been awarded the Zonta Award - Young Women in Business Leadership for the Northern Rivers.

The award, presented by Zonta Northern Rivers, recognises young women who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their community. Maddi’s dedication to supporting women experiencing domestic violence, homelessness and financial insecurity through Fletcher Street Cottage’s Byron Women program has been recognised as an outstanding contribution to the region.

Zonta Northern Rivers President, Bobbi Crane, said:

“I congratulate Maddi on her winning entry which demonstrated so brilliantly her exceptional leadership in addressing issues affecting women in the local area.”

Reflecting on the award, Maddi said:

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Zonta Women in Business Leadership Award for the Northern Rivers. Since I was a young girl, I’ve felt a strong calling to support vulnerable women. At 19, I travelled overseas to work in a women’s home in India, an experience that lit a fire in my heart and shaped the path I continue to walk today.

Now, I’m grateful to work alongside an incredible team at Fletcher Street Cottage, who share the same passion and commitment to supporting women in our community. Growing Byron Women has been a privilege, but the true heroes are the women who show up every day in the face of enormous challenges. They are my greatest teachers, and they inspire me each day.”

Byron Women provides compassionate, practical support to women in need across the Byron Shire. Through the Women’s Space and personalised one-on-one assistance, the program offers emergency relief, domestic and family violence support, and help accessing safe housing and essential services. It’s a space where women can connect, share and receive the care and advocacy they need to rebuild stability and independence.

Zonta Northern Rivers has kindly sponsored a dedicated women’s Flower and Herb Garden and free Self Defence classes to the Byron Women program at Fletcher Street Cottage.

To learn more about Fletcher Street Cottage and to donate, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.