Locally owned and independent
October 19, 2023
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS 11
Tamara Smith welcomes funding for Fletcher Street but maintains call for Federal Funding Today, Member for Ballina and Greens MP Tamara Smith has congratulated Byron Bay’s Fletchers Street Cottage and their advocates, after it was announced that they would receive $125,000 in state government funding. This in addition to the community funds of $400,000 that has been raised. Byron Shire has the highest rate of homelessness in NSW – it’s critical that Fletcher Street Cottage, and all the hard-working organisations supporting our community in this tough time, have the funding they need. Ms Smith has worked with the staff and has worked weekly with the Minister’s office to look for ways to ensure that this vital service for the community to be
able to continue. As the housing crisis continues to be left unaddressed by the Federal and NSW Labor Governments, the demand for these services will increase. Quotes attributable to Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina: “ I welcome the NSW Minister’s decision to support the Fletcher Street Cottage as they get ready to apply for ongoing funding. This result is a testament to the advocacy of the manager and staff of the Byron Community Centre, and members of
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our community. “ “The funding amount is not enough and given the fact that we have the highest rates of rough sleeping and homelessness in Byron Shire in NSW we need to see much more investment from state and federal Labor governments in programs like Fletcher Street.” “Not for profits like Fletcher Street are doing the heavy lifting and the work that our State and Federal governments have a responsibility to do and are not doing.” “Our community is experiencing a housing crisis of extreme proportions, and we need all Labor representatives in government to prioritise housing support and relief across all available levers.”
Mental Health Advocates Unite to Publish their Book in Honour of Mental Health Awareness Month Momentum Collective, a leading provider of mental health support services in Northern Rivers, celebrated a significant milestone by supporting their clients to launch their own book to raise awareness of mental health. The event, held at the Connections Centre on Thursday, October 12, was a testament to the resilience and creativity of Momentum’s clients as they shared their personal stories of overcoming mental health challenges.
The day commenced with an Acknowledgement to Country and welcomed over 30 guests including clients, staff and Tweed Shire Councilor Nolan Firth. Vanessa Riggs, Momentum’s Service Manager, emphasised the importance of mental health and the transformative influence it has had on clients engaged in regular creative writing workshops at the centre. “Together, we celebrated the
remarkable talents of our clients and engaged in a meaningful dialogue about the significance of mental health support, underlining the profound impact of this book on our clients’ lives.” One of Momentum’s cherished clients, Wayne, who refers to the Connections Centre as his second home, emotionally shared his gratitude during the event, saying, “The Connections Centre has truly saved my life. It’s my sanctuary, where I find safety and support whenever life feels overwhelming.” The book is available for preorder via the email communications@ mymomentum.org.au or via phone number 1300 900 091.
