Council grants 15-year licence to Fletcher Street Cottage

BYRON Shire Council has granted a 15-year licence to Fletcher Street Cottage, securing the future of Byron Bay’s homelessness support hub from 2026.

The Byron Community Centre currently operates the service under a five-year agreement at the council-owned site on Fletcher Street.

General manager Louise O’Connell said the long-term licence would give the organisation the confidence to grow.

“Knowing we have a long-term base gives us the confidence to expand what we offer and to approach funders with a clear and stable vision for the future,” she said.

More than 34,000 visits have been recorded at Fletcher Street Cottage since it opened in April 2022. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 7am to 12pm and provides food, showers and access to more than 15 co-located services.

These include Centrelink, housing and mental health outreach, legal support, and GP and veterinary care.

Manager Damian Farrell said the agreement would allow staff to build on what was working.

“Securing its future means we can build on what’s working, especially our targeted support for women and other vulnerable community members who are too often left behind,” he said.

The Byron Community Centre has invested about $500,000 in renovations since 2021. The service is run by 14 staff and supported by 110 volunteers.

Relationships manager Bec Robinson said community support was critical to maintaining and expanding services.

“We’re grateful to the council for backing our work with a long-term commitment,” she said.

“But what keeps the doors open, every day, is the generosity of our supporters. The need is real, and community support is what allows us to respond to it with compassion, dignity and care.”