Women’s Garden Growth, Donor Gratitude and Community Care

14th – 24th October 2025

This fortnight at Fletcher Street Cottage we’ve been busy nurturing growth - both in our garden and in our community. Here’s a look at what’s been happening.

Highlights

• The women attending Women’s Space have been caring for their Flower and Herb Garden, tending to new seedlings funded by Zonta Northern Rivers. This beautiful project encourages connection, calm and confidence while growing something together.
• A huge thank you to Byron Shire Taxi Service, who continue to donate transport support to ensure our most vulnerable community members can attend vital medical and legal appointments. Their generosity is making a real difference every week.
• In Art Space, participants created stunning artworks to decorate Fletcher Street Cottage for our annual Donor Thank You Event held on Sunday 19th October. This special gathering celebrated our incredible supporters who make our work possible - without ongoing operational government funding, we rely entirely on the kindness of our donors and community.
• The support provided this fortnight was broad and life-changing. Highlights included:
  • Assisting outreach workers to locate and support a woman sleeping rough in bushland.
  • Providing funding for urgent car repairs for a man living in his vehicle.
  • Coordinating a case conference to ensure wraparound care for a vulnerable woman experiencing homelessness.
  • Helping a victim of crime access recognition payments and counselling.
  • Providing transport for a service user to attend legal hearings.
  • Booking an urgent oral health appointment for a service user in severe pain.
  • Supporting a woman fleeing domestic and family violence.
  • Distributing food and fuel vouchers to help meet essential needs.
• Finally, the team celebrated a big Happy Birthday to our Manager, Damian Farrell, who has now been leading Fletcher Street Cottage for over a year. His steady leadership and compassion continue to inspire us all.

‍About Fletcher Street Cottage

Fletcher Street Cottage is a community hub in the heart of Byron Bay, offering essential support for individuals facing homelessness and hardship. Our services include nutritious meals, access to showers and laundry, advocacy, health services and more, all aimed at helping our clients move toward stability and self-sufficiency. With the support of our dedicated team, volunteers and generous community partners, we’re working every day to make a positive impact.