Fletcher Street Cottage

27/10/2026

“Every day at Fletcher Street Cottage, we see how quickly people can be pushed into crisis by housing insecurity, the rising cost of living or a health challenge. We provide practical support, from breakfast, showers and laundry to casework and referrals, but people need more than a short-term response. Neighbourhood centres like the Byron Community Centre offer a trusted place to turn and help people take steps towards greater safety and stability. Ongoing core funding would give centres the certainty to retain skilled staff, respond to growing need and support people before their circumstances become even more difficult.” - Damian Farrell, Manager, Fletcher Street Cottage

Every week, around 72,000 people access one of NSW’s 175 Neighbourhood and Community Centres, yet these vital services receive no ongoing, dedicated core funding from the NSW Government.

It's time to recognise Neighbourhood Centres like the as essential social infrastructure!

✍️ Help make a difference! Add your name to the petition calling for sustainable core funding.
👉 https://bit.ly/FundNeighbourhoodandCommunityCentres

22/10/2026

Summer is coming and sun safety matters! A huge thank you to Dr Tranter Aesthetics for donating a bag full of quality Airday sunscreen for our service users at Fletcher Street Cottage ☀️

"This sunscreen donation will help people stay protected from the harsh summer sun in the Byron Shire while accessing support, attending appointments or spending time outdoors." - Damian Farrell, Manager

We’re so grateful for the practical care and generosity of our local community. Slip, slop, slap!

💛 Learn more and donate at fletcherstreetcottage.com.au
📷 Alice, Dr Tranter Aesthetics and Damian, Fletcher Street Cottage

11/10/2026

Rough sleeping in Byron Shire has declined for the second consecutive year, but Fletcher Street Cottage Manager Damian Farrell warns that hidden homelessness and demand for support remain high amid ongoing housing and cost-of-living pressures Byron Coast Times

The 2026 NSW Street Count reveals a drop in rough sleeping across the Northern Rivers, but local hubs warn the housing crisis remains severe.

08/10/2026

“Whenever we call for volunteers, it's so popular that it's a first come, first served basis. It hasn’t been at all what we expected - it’s been so much more, in the best possible way.” - Georgie, Sotheby’s Volunteer

For the past six months, the wonderful team from Byron Bay Sotheby's International Realty has joined our breakfast chef Steve for a monthly volunteer breakfast shift at Fletcher Street Cottage. The team will keep volunteering for the rest of the year, and we hope, well into the future.

We love hearing how much the team values the connections they have made and the time spent helping to create a warm, welcoming start to the day for our community.

👉 Apply to volunteer at Fletcher Street Cottage at byronvolunteers.com
❤ Donate at fletcherstreetcottage.com.au

Photo: Nick (Sotheby's Volunteer), Paul (Volunteer), Stefano (Sotheby's Volunteer), Steve (Breakfast Coordinator) and Kayti (Sotheby's Volunteer)

06/10/2026

After four months at Fletcher Street Cottage, social work student Justin Burke reflects on the everyday moments of compassion, dignity and connection that shaped his placement and will guide his future work 👇

A social work student placement reflection from Justin Burke

04/10/2026

"We’re delighted to welcome naturopathy students from Southern Cross University back to Fletcher Street Cottage for another semester.

Until November, the students will generously share their time, knowledge and holistic health support with our participants, while gaining valuable hands-on experience within our community." - Damian Farrell, Manager

We’re grateful for this meaningful partnership and the care the students bring to Fletcher Street Cottage 💚

01/10/2026

New beginnings, one stitch at a time! Launching on Wednesday 7 October, Stitching Futures: Upcycling for Enterprise and Empowerment is an exciting new free 6-week program for Fletcher Street Cottage service users, delivered in partnership with Byron Community College RTO: 90013 🪡

Sponsored participants will learn practical sewing, clothing repair and creative upcycling techniques, alongside small-business skills including product design, pricing, budgeting and customer service. The program will culminate in real-world experience preparing and selling handmade creations at our Byron Markets.

By combining creativity, sustainability and enterprise, Stitching Futures will help participants build confidence, connection and new pathways towards income generation.

A heartfelt thank you to SPELL and Global Ripple for generously donating beautiful textiles, and to our wonderful volunteers for helping bring the program to life!

👉 Donate at fletcherstreetcottage.com.au

29/09/2026

From helping a young woman stay safely housed in the Byron Shire to connecting a man in crisis with urgent mental health care and welcoming new partner Jimmy's Coffee, this week showed the life-changing impact of timely support at Fletcher Street Cottage 👇

Fletcher Street Cottage Highlights:

25/09/2026

Are you interested in Yoga for Peace & Calm? Join us at the Women's Space at Fletcher Street Cottage for a free gentle, trauma-sensitive yoga program designed to help you feel safe, grounded and calm 🧘‍♀️

Through gentle movement, breathing and relaxation, these accessible classes invite the body and mind to slow down and settle. No previous experience is needed, all bodies are welcome and there is no pressure to do anything that doesn’t feel right for you.

📅 Every Tuesday from 29 September for 10 weeks
⏰ 1.30–2.30pm
📍 18 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay
🌿 Casual drop-in – no booking required (free)
🧘 Mats provided – simply wear something comfortable

Classes are led by qualified yoga therapist and experienced trauma-informed yoga teacher Susy Strange through the The Yoga Impact Charity. Come early to enjoy something to eat and connect with the community before class.

Women’s Space is a safe, welcoming weekly program every Tuesday from 1-3pm at Fletcher Street Cottage where women can connect, access support and enjoy creative activities in a caring environment.

🙏 Donate to Women's Space at fletcherstreetcottage.com.au

24/09/2026

Paddling for a powerful cause! Sam Hilton from the Spirited Foundation recently visited Fletcher Street Cottage to share details of an upcoming paddle out raising awareness and support for young people affected by domestic violence 🏄

Taking place in Byron Bay on Saturday 10 October at 9am, the event will be held alongside paddle outs across Australia and internationally, bringing communities together in solidarity around this important cause.

See you in the waves!

📸 Sam and Damian