Stories
Stories of resilience and hope from wayss
On our social media platforms we share information about family violence, homelessness, and the uplifting stories of individuals we’ve supported on their journey. These stories highlight the urgent issues of family violence, housing insecurity, and homelessness in the southeast region of Victoria.
By amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, along with community advocates and social workers, we strive to raise awareness and deepen understanding of these critical topics. We invite you to join us in exploring these compelling narratives and discover how we’re working to make a difference.
Watch the stories below.
During the #16DaysOfActivism, we pause to honour women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence and recognise those who live in its shadow daily. You are not forgotten, and you are not alone. If you need help, reach out when you’re ready.
The media and popular narratives around family violence often rely on outdated ideas about gender roles and relationships. These narratives can perpetuate myths and misunderstandings, rather than focusing on the reality of gender-based violence, which affects people regardless of their background, age, or relationship dynamics. It’s time to change the conversation and support survivors with compassion, understanding, and research-backed facts.
According to the UN, every 10 minutes, a woman loses her life due to violence. During the #16DaysOfActivism, we honour those who have been lost and stand in solidarity with victim-survivors. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, wayss and organisations like us across Australia are here to help. You are not alone.
This #16DaysOfActivism, wayss is proud to join the global movement to end gender-based violence. Throughout the campaign, we’ll be sharing information and standing in solidarity with victim-survivors. Our team is dedicated to creating a future where everyone can live free from violence, for these days of activism, and every day.
We’re proud to join forces with the City of Greater Dandenong to collect new pyjamas for women and children in emergency accommodation during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Women and kids come in all shapes and sizes, so to help offer a wide variety, please consider donating new pyjamas in your size. Drop-off locations are available at Dandenong and Springvale Libraries, the Dandenong Tax Office, and at Harmony Square on 19 November during the Family Violence Walk. Your support will bring warmth and comfort to women and children impacted by family violence across the Southern Metropolitan Area.
Our wayss Youth, IAP, EYA, and Step Ahead teams had the privilege of attending another insightful training session by the incredible @zoebellegendercollective (ZBGC), presented by the renowned Starlady and Teddy Transcendent. The training provided invaluable insights, practical tips, and an inclusive space for our teams to deepen their understanding of inclusive practices and better support our diverse community members. Thank you, Zoe Belle Gender Collective, for your dedication to trans and gender-diverse advocacy.
This morning, Shari McPhail joined Raf Epstein on ABC Radio's live broadcast at the Dandenong markets to discuss a pressing issue: housing and homelessness in our community. Shari and Raf discussed the fact that despite the introduction of new social housing projects, including four new units and a federally funded project with 16 units, the demand still far exceeds supply. Many families are still living in motels, facing a dire situation exacerbated by significant social issues, particularly family violence, in the expanding regions of Casey and Cardinia. There’s an urgent need for more housing towers in Dandenong, given its strategic location and rapidly growing population, and we thank Raf and the ABC for helping to shine a light on this issue. Listen here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-mornings/mornings/104494268
Our Services for Young People team had a wonderful time at the Dandenong High School Wellbeing Expo last week. We joined other local services to engage with students and discuss how wayss can support and assist them now and in the future. We shared helpful information, provided brochures, and added a bit of fun with our ‘guess the lollies in the drink bottle’ game. It was great to connect with those who visited our booth and explore how we can contribute to a supportive community.
This month, the team at wayss organised a bake-off at all locations—a delightful blend of a baking competition and a morning tea. This event successfully raised funds that will go towards making the lives of the women and children living in our refuges a little brighter. From homemade cookies to beautifully crafted cakes, our bake-off was an opportunity to eat yummy food, connect with each other, and participate in a fun competition for a good cause. Thank you to everyone who contributed, baked, or stopped by to enjoy a treat!
Jenaya Story
A special thank you also to Jenaya for so courageously and generously sharing her story. A story tha...
Working at Wayss - What I do matters
Team members at Wayss were asked to finish the sentence, "What I do matters". Listen to what they s...
Lyn's Story - Homeless for the first time
Older women who experience homelessness are growing in number. Lyn's Story features in a four part s...
Bianca's Story - No place to call home
Meet Bianca who experienced homelessness as a young woman. Bianca's Story featured in a four part se...
Jasmine's Story - Young and homeless
Jasmine first became homeless at the age of 14.For many years she experienced couch surfing, sleepin...
Danielle's Story - Without a home
Meet Danielle a mum with six kids and no where to go. Wayss partnered with City of Casey to make a f...