A donation of $5,000 to the Fletcher Street Cottage will go a long way to providing a vital community service supporting people experiencing hardship in Byron Bay, whether it’s insecure housing, financial stress or legal issues.
The generous contribution from the Far North Coast Law Society (FNCLS) will help provide essentials such as meals, showers, laundry access, legal aid and caseworker support to locals doing it tough.
Operated by the Byron Community Centre, Fletcher Street Cottage supports more than 900 people each month, or around 70 per day, offering a safe, welcoming space and access to wraparound services.
Legal community’s commitment to justice and care
Principal Solicitor and Director at Byron Family Law and Chair of FNCLS, Yasmin Dulley, said the donation reflects the legal community’s commitment to justice and care. ‘Lawyers often work behind the scenes to uphold justice, but this was a chance for us to show up visibly and meaningfully for our community.
‘Fletcher Street Cottage provides an essential lifeline for vulnerable people, and we’re proud to support the incredible team that holds this service together.’
FNCLS board members recently visited Fletcher Street Cottage to meet the team and learn more about the frontline support being delivered.
Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre (NRCLC), lawyer Aran Matkevich, offers legal services at Fletcher Street Cottage on the last Tuesday of each month, and emphasised the importance of accessible legal aid.
‘The Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre’s outreach at Fletcher Street Cottage allows legal services to be provided to society’s most vulnerable,’ he said. ‘With the assistance of Fletcher Street Cottage staff, the outreach provides a place where our service can connect and stay connected with our clients.’
Legal advice onsite is critical
Manager of Fletcher Street Cottage, Damian Farrell, said having accessible legal advice onsite is critical. ‘Many of the people we support are facing complex legal issues that can have life-changing consequences, from tenancy disputes to family law matters,’ he said.
‘Having legal professionals here at Fletcher Street Cottage means people can access help in a safe, familiar environment without the barriers that often prevent them from seeking advice.
Relationships Manager at the Byron Community Centre, Bec Robinson, said the donation will have a meaningful impact. ‘We’ve seen a sharp rise in the number of people seeking help due to the cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages.
‘This support from FNCLS helps us respond to urgent needs and reminds our community that no one is facing these challenges alone. We’re so grateful.’
Fletcher Street Cottage operates without ongoing government funding and relies on the generosity of donors, local organisations and community partners to keep services running.
Mr Farrell said support from the legal community is very important. ‘This donation from FNCLS, ensures we can keep bridging that gap and stand alongside our community when it matters most,’
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