Stories

Wayss️ 3 days ago

This week we welcomed Windana's SECADA team, who provide person-centred services to people experiencing alcohol and other drug issues. They’re now working alongside us at our Dandenong site. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and families in need across our communities. By working together, we’re combining our strengths to provide more effective services for those who need it most.

Wayss️ 5 days ago

🌈 At wayss, we listen, guide and stand up for people at risk of family violence or homelessness, and we know that safety and inclusion go hand in hand. Last week, as part of us marking Pride Month, our team attended a quiz celebrating LGBTQIA+ history, culture and community - from global milestones to local heroes and pop culture moments. It was a chance to learn, connect, and honour the diversity that strengthens our team and the people we support. 🌈

Wayss️ 3 weeks ago

A safe and stable place to call home should be a right, not a privilege. With this belief at our core, wayss launched the Housing Pathways initiative. Housing pathways supports individuals and families transitioning from family violence case plans into secure, long-term housing. Navigating today’s challenging housing market is no small feat, but the strength of those we work with continues to inspire us every step of the way. Together, we’ve accomplished meaningful change, and the outcomes tell a powerful story of resilience and rebuilding: 🔸 26 clients have moved into secure social housing 🔸 6 families now call private rental properties home 🔸 3 families transitioned into wayss long-term housing 🔸 1 family achieved the life-changing milestone of purchasing their own home These numbers represent so much more than statistics; they symbolise hope, determination, and opportunity. Behind every achievement is a story of human strength.

Wayss️ 1 month 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 1 month 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 4 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 4 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 4 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.