Women’s Space appeal to help Byron women in crisis

BYRON Community Centre has launched a fundraising appeal to expand its Women’s Space at Fletcher Street Cottage as more women seek support in the region.

The ‘Give Her Space’ end-of-financial-year appeal aims to raise money to keep the dedicated service running and help meet growing demand for crisis support.

In 2025, more than 800 visits have been made by women accessing the Women’s Space. Since opening three years ago, Fletcher Street Cottage has recorded more than 4,000 visits from women seeking safety, support and connection.

Many are escaping domestic violence, living in cars or tents, or facing financial hardship.

Assistant manager and community support worker Maddi Powell said the Women’s Space offered a place for women to feel safe and start again.

“Each week, we meet women who are scared, exhausted and alone,” she said.

“The Women’s Space gives them somewhere to feel safe, breathe and begin again. But with more and more women turning to us for help, we urgently need community support to keep this vital program running and growing.”

The service provides emergency relief, housing and domestic violence referrals, hygiene kits, food supplies, psychosocial support and advocacy in a private setting.

A new weekly Women’s Afternoon has also started, giving women a safe place to connect, share meals and take part in creative activities.

The program is run in partnership with Mullumbimby Women’s Resource Service.

Tax-deductible donations made before June 30 will help keep the Women’s Space open and expand it to meet local needs.

For more information or to donate, visit the Fletcher Street Cottage website.