Stories

Wayss️ 24 hours 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 5 days 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 1 week 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 weeks 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 weeks 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 3 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

Wayss️ 3 months ago

1 in 4 Australian women—2.3 million people—have faced violence from an intimate partner since turning 15 (AIHW). These numbers are devastating, but they aren’t just numbers. This #16DaysOfActivism, wayss reminds you: there is a way out. You deserve safety. Reach out for help.

Wayss️ 3 months ago

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.

Wayss️ 3 months ago

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.