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.
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!
Australia's housing crisis is hitting hard. The Priced Out report from Everybody’s Home shows that skyrocketing rents are leaving people on Centrelink payments and even full-time minimum wage workers struggling to find a place to live. wayss joins the call for change - this is a crisis that demands urgent action.
Every year, National Child Protection Week promotes a safe and supported life for every child. This year’s theme, ‘Every Conversation Matters,’ resonates with us. At wayss, we see the daily impacts of homelessness and family violence on children. The 2024 Child Homelessness Snapshot revealed over 25,000 children were homeless in 2022-23, marking a 3.2% increase nationwide. Additionally, children remain at high risk of family, domestic, and sexual violence: about 1 in 8 adults witnessed violence towards a parent before the age of 15, with higher rates of violence against mothers. While there have been steps forward, more needs to be done. We join the sector in making every conversation count this National Child Protection Week.
The Australian Homelessness Conference 2024, themed "Gathering Momentum," brought together around 800 delegates for two days of inspiring and thought-provoking sessions, and wayss’ Wayne Merritt, Shari McPhail, Sonia and Steve were there. Hosted by the Government of South Australia and AHURI, the event featured influential voices from both national and international organisations having important conversations about homelessness. Shari McPhail facilitated the panel ‘Effective and Innovative Responses to Domestic and Family Violence related Homelessness.’ The conference highlighted the lived experience of homelessness, which, for these delegates, takes a unique kind of courage. The important insights that were shared can help us to identify shortcomings, improve systems and develop more equitable and effective programs. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversation with the sector as we move towards the changes that are needed.
Homelessness is a complex issue that affects people from all walks of life. At wayss, we support individuals like this young person every day. Join us in raising awareness and offering support this Homelessness Week.
Our frontline workers at wayss face immense challenges every day, yet they continue to provide unwavering support to those in need. With three sites in the southeast region—home to some of the highest rates of homelessness in Victoria—their dedication is undeniable. This Homelessness Week, we’re taking a moment to thank them for their incredible work.
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...