Fletcher Street Cottage’s future has been secured, with Byron Shire Council granting a 15-year licence for Byron Bay’s dedicated daytime support hub to continue operating from 18 Fletcher Street.
The milestone was celebrated yesterday, the opening day of Homelessness Week 2026 (3–9 August), when Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye visited Fletcher Street Cottage to acknowledge the long-term agreement and recognise the vital role the service plays in supporting people in need across the Byron Shire.
The new licence provides long-term security for Fletcher Street Cottage, ensuring the service can continue supporting individuals and families while strengthening future planning, partnerships and fundraising.
Since opening in April 2022, Fletcher Street Cottage has become a vital community service with over 44,000 visits, providing 41,400 breakfasts, 12,280 showers, 7,060 laundry services, case management appointments and connections to health, housing and social support services.
The announcement comes during Homelessness Week, which shines a light on the growing number of people experiencing housing insecurity and hardship, and the importance of community support and coordinated local responses.
Dignity, connection and hope
Byron Community Centre General Manager Michelle Heuer said the timing of the announcement highlighted the importance of investing in services that provide dignity, connection and hope.
‘This 15-year licence provides certainty for one of the Byron Shire’s most essential community services. It gives us confidence to plan for the future, strengthen partnerships and continue investing in support for locals in need,’ she said.
‘We are incredibly grateful to Byron Shire Council for its ongoing commitment to Fletcher Street Cottage. Council’s support has been instrumental from the very beginning and, quite simply, Fletcher Street Cottage would not exist without it. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when local government and community organisations work together to support people doing it tough in our community.’
Security
Fletcher Street Cottage Manager Damian Farrell said security of tenure provides reassurance for staff, volunteers, donors, partner service providers and the hundreds of people who rely on the service each week.
‘For the people who walk through our doors, Fletcher Street Cottage is a place of safety, dignity and connection. Knowing this service has a secure future means we can continue building trusted relationships and delivering the consistent support that helps people move towards stability.
‘There could be no better time to celebrate this milestone than during Homelessness Week,’ he said. ‘It reminds us that behind every statistic is a person, and that lasting change is only possible when organisations, government, donors, volunteers and the wider community work together.
‘This 15-year licence is also a recognition of the importance of collaboration. We sincerely thank Byron Shire Council for backing this service and recognising the critical role it plays in supporting people experiencing housing insecurity, domestic violence and mental health challenges in our community.’
Compassionate support
Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said, ‘We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team of people helping out at a grass roots level in what can be an incredibly difficult time for people. Fletcher Street Cottage provides critical and compassionate support to people experiencing hardship and homelessness, and we are so happy to be able to give this service a long-term home.
‘Fletcher Street Cottage is one of more than 30 members of the Ending Rough Sleeping Collaboration Byron Shire, which Council proudly co-funds. We know how critical this support is – it’s a service that not only responds to immediate need but also works alongside partners to create lasting pathways out of homelessness and hardship.’
Operated by Byron Community Centre, Fletcher Street Cottage works alongside a network of government and community service provider partners to provide practical assistance, health services and pathways towards greater stability.
Personal plus practical
One service user said Fletcher Street Cottage had provided far more than practical support.
‘When you’re facing hard times, having somewhere you know you can go without being judged makes all the difference. The people here know my name, they listen and they’ve helped me take steps towards getting my life back on track. Knowing Fletcher Street Cottage will be here into the future gives people like me hope.’
As Homelessness Week highlights the growing need for compassionate community responses, the new 15-year licence ensures Fletcher Street Cottage can continue providing support, dignity and hope for years to come.
To learn more about Fletcher Street Cottage or make a donation, visit www.fletcherstreetcottage.com.au.
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