Stories

Wayss️ 2 weeks ago

This National Reconciliation Week, wayss acknowledges the resilience, histories, and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment to truth-telling, listening, and meaningful action. It’s a time to reflect on our shared history, celebrate progress, and recognise the work still to be done to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable future. This week, we stood in solidarity by attending flag-raising ceremonies in our community and shared stories and connection over a morning tea, featuring delicious cookies made by @justbecausecookiesau, Kim, a Noongar baker from Western Australia. At wayss, we remain dedicated to fostering respect, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose in our work towards reconciliation. Together, we can continue to work towards equity and positive change.

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Wayss️ 3 weeks ago

At wayss, diversity isn’t just something we talk about – it’s something we celebrate. One of our favourite ways? Coming together to cook, connect, and share special foods that bring our team closer. This IDAHOBIT day, we honoured LGBTQIA+ communities with vibrant rainbow snacks, a delicious reminder of the beauty in diversity. 🌈 Every dish tells a story, just as every person adds something unique to our community. Together, we’re creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces where everyone feels they belong. Here’s to the power of food, friendship, and standing together.

Wayss️ 3 months ago

Last week we officially opened Karinya, providing four secure and stable units for women and children seeking a fresh start. This achievement was made possible by the incredible generosity of philanthropist Margo Hartley and the City of Greater Dandenong, whose land donation turned an idea into reality. Karinya is more than housing. It represents hope, collaboration, and progress. It also brings us closer to our goal of delivering 1,000 homes by 2035. To those who joined us, thank you for sharing this moment. Your support strengthens our shared mission to create positive change within our community.

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Wayss️ 3 months ago

“Within Dandenong, we have the highest proportion of homelessness in the state, and housing stock is at an all-time low,” said wayss CEO Wayne Merritt at the launch of four new homes for women and children facing homelessness. This initiative, led by philanthropist Margo Hartley in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong Council and us here at wayss, has resulted in four new two-bedroom units. These homes now offer safe, stable housing to women and children who were previously living in cars or on the streets. As Margo Hartley beautifully put it, "I know it's only... it's so few, but it's a blessing for them, and it's a blessing for me to be able to do it." Watch the video for more on this inspiring project.

Wayss️ 3 months ago

On International Women’s Day 2025, we recognise the women who make wayss' work possible and the women and girls we support. This year’s UN theme, For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment, is a reminder of the need for real opportunities and lasting change. In a world where women continue to face significant challenges, we honour the work of the women at wayss who are dedicated to creating change. We recognise how gendered disadvantage profoundly impacts the lives of women facing family violence and homelessness. Yesterday, members of the wayss team attended Cardinia Council’s International Women’s Day event, where guest speaker Zione Walker-Nthenda reflected on the experiences of her grandmother, mother, and herself, acknowledging both progress and ongoing challenges. The event also featured a powerful Māori dance performance by T'honi, demonstrating the unifying strength of art.

Wayss️ 4 months ago

The Community Development Project (CDP) was a wayss initiative launched in January 2023, aimed at working with renters in our managed rooming houses to build safer, stronger, and more connected communities. The CDP started with a simple idea that grew into something much bigger than anyone expected. It started in the shared outdoor spaces of three rooming houses, bringing together over 28 renters. What began as bare patches of soil quickly grew into thriving community gardens, offering fresh produce and a strong sense of community. For many renters, life in a rooming house could feel isolating. The gardens became a space where they could step outside, get their hands in the soil, and connect with one another. Some arrived with gardening experience, eager to share their knowledge, while others learned as they went, finding joy in watching a tiny seed sprout into something they had nurtured. Morning and afternoon tea gatherings often took place in the gardens, where conversations grew as naturally as the plants themselves. As the project approached its two-year mark, the gardens had become more than just a CDP initiative, they were now an integral part of the renters' daily lives. Through seasons of planting, harvesting, and shared meals, the gardens proved that community isn’t just built, it’s grown, one seed at a time.

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Wayss️ 4 months ago

Valentine's Day is here, and our feeds are blooming with roses, chocolates, and grand gestures. But behind the glitter, it's easy to lose sight of what makes a relationship healthy. Today, our team members, who work closely with women experiencing family violence, have shared some key “green flags” to look for - signs of respect, trust, and kindness that build strong, meaningful connections.

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Wayss️ 6 months ago

May your holiday season be safe, merry and bright. 📅 wayss opening hours: • Open: Everyday except public holidays 9am – 5pm • Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day