Free women’s clinic opens at Fletcher Street Cottage in Byron Bay

A NEW free women’s clinic has opened at Fletcher Street Cottage in Byron Bay, aiming to improve access to healthcare for women experiencing hardship across the shire.

The nurse led drop in service runs weekly on Tuesday afternoons within the existing Women’s Space program, offering preventative care, chronic disease management, wound care and referrals.

Manager of Fletcher Street Cottage Damian Farrell said the clinic was designed to remove barriers that can prevent women from seeking help.

“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.”

Women experiencing or at risk of homelessness are significantly less likely to receive early diagnosis or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory illness.

Program lead and peer support worker from One Bridge Tracey Kristiansen said the familiar setting could help women take the first step toward addressing health concerns.

“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’re 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.”

The clinic is delivered by a contracted registered nurse through a partnership with One Bridge and is funded for 12 months through Healthy North Coast’s Primary Care Impact Grants program.

Relationships manager at Byron Community Centre Bec Robinson said embedding healthcare in a trusted support setting could lead to better outcomes.

“What makes this clinic so powerful is the environment. 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, which operates from Fletcher Street Cottage, provides meals, emergency relief, domestic violence assistance and access to specialist services, with the new clinic expanding support available onsite.

The Women’s Clinic operates from 1pm to 3pm every Tuesday at Fletcher Street Cottage on Fletcher Street in Byron Bay.

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