New Student, Women’s Art Workshop and Community Health Support

2nd – 6th February 2026

This week at Fletcher Street Cottage, we returned from our break refreshed, with updates to our much-loved cottage workspace and renewed energy to support our community. Here’s a snapshot of what happened.

Highlights

• We welcomed several visiting services back this week, including the GP from First Light Health Care, the Homeless Health Outreach Team, an Inclusive Employment Agency and Centrelink via phone appointments. These partnerships allow Fletcher Street Cottage to provide holistic, wraparound support where people can access multiple services in one safe and trusted space.
• A warm welcome to Jason, our new social work placement student from Griffith University. Originally from the US, Jason brings experience working with people facing mental health challenges. Placement students play an important role at Fletcher Street Cottage, contributing fresh perspectives, skills and energy to our work.
• A big thank you to the Anglican Parish of Byron Bay for their generous donation of $1,853 to support our Women’s Space. Contributions from local community groups like this help us continue providing a safe and welcoming environment for vulnerable women in our community.
• In Women’s Space, volunteer Dr Jane Barker guided participants through acrylic painting techniques, focusing on ink flow and colour blending to create beautiful leaf prints. These creative Art Space sessions offer meaningful opportunities for connection, reflection and calm.
• During Thursday’s Art Space, participants experimented with acrylic spray paint, paints and Posca pens on canvas, paper and gum leaves, while also working with polymer clay sculptures. Art Space continues to be a powerful outlet for expression and self-reflection in a safe and supportive environment.

‍

‍About Fletcher Street Cottage

Fletcher Street Cottage is a community hub in the heart of Byron Bay, providing essential support for people experiencing hardship. Our services include nutritious meals, access to showers and laundry, advocacy, health and wellbeing programs, and creative initiatives like Women’s 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.