16 April 2026
Welcome to the Project Respect Community Newsletter!
This newsletter is a space to share what’s happening across the Project Respect community, highlight upcoming events and opportunities, and pass on useful resources that support health, wellbeing, and connection.
Over the coming editions, you can expect updates, stories, and information about what’s available to you — free, local, and community-focused.
Project Respect Events and News
Community Events
Our community events are open to peers who identify as women or gender diverse, with experience in the sex industry, or, experience of sexual exploitation. Our groups are diverse, and have been enjoying one another’s company while sharing in a meal and other activities.
Community Lunch and Gardening
Our Community Lunch and Gardening events are held on the first Tuesday of the month, with the next one due 5th of May. Lunch is from 1pm to 3pm. These events are a place to relax and connect with peers while enjoying a free lunch! Our garden is very green and lush right now, and you are more than welcome to take part in some gardening, or take home some fresh produce.
Art and Wellbeing
We hold our Art and Wellbeing Events every Third Tuesday of the Month. Lunch is from 12:30pm, with art activities from 1pm to 3pm.
Our next dates are
~ Tuesday 21st April 2026
~ Tuesday 19th May 2026
We aim for our Art and Wellbeing events to be a safe space to relax and express your creativity. The event is free, no art experience is necessary and lunch is provided.
RSVP for these events!
To attend, please ensure that you RSVP, and provide us with details of all allergies and dietary needs as this helps us plan our meals in advance. As always, we also ask that if you are unwell please give this one a miss and come to another event when you are feeling well again.
You can RSVP by phone, text or Whatsapp on 0477 001 110, or call to find out more information.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Introducing Project Respect's Specialised Sexual Violence Counselling Service
In June 2025, Project Respect introduced our specialised sexual violence counselling service.
Counselling is available to women and gender diverse people with experience in the sex industry who are seeking counselling relating to any experiences of sexual violence, and, for women and gender diverse people who have experienced sexual exploitation (whether or not you identify with having experience in the sex industry).
Our counselling service is available to people living in Victoria, and can be in person at our location, or if you prefer the comfort of your own space, sessions can be via Zoom.
You can access our service by contacting us directly, and we also take referrals from other service providers.
For more information, see our support webpage here: Get support - Project Respect
Community Events
Things to do this Autumn
Yalinguth First Nations Walking Tour
What is it?: Whether you have 10 mins or 3 hours, download the app, grab your headphones, and visit one of two Yalinguth locations:
Birrarung/ Yarra River
Start at Enterprise Park then head east along the river to the MCG via Federation Square, Birrarung Marr and Speakers’ Corner. Stories and sounds about pre-colonial times, the impact of the tall ships arriving, the rights movement and staunch leaders, marngrook/ AFL, and the history of the MCG which was once a traditional gathering place for the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people.
Ngár-go/ Fitzroy
Start at ‘The Fig Tree’ in Carlton Gardens near the corner of Gertrude/Nicholson Street then head east along Gertrude Street to Atherton Gardens and on to Smith Street. Iconic Gertrude Street is a hugely significant place for Aboriginal people. You’ll hear stories and sounds about the rights movement, Aboriginal organisations, stolen generations, finding family, and the love and strength of the Fitzroy community.
When : Flexible, Up to you when you want to go.
How: For more information about where to download the app, see Yalinguth First Nations Walking Tour - Fed Square, Melbourne Australia
Costs: Free!
City of Monash Pride Picinic
Free activities
• Coffee and fairy floss
• Rainbow storytime
• Face painting
• Active Monash activities
• Live music
There will be stalls where you can learn more about local programs and services that support LGBTIQA+ people of all ages. Meet Victoria Police’s LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officers and connect with LGBTIQA+ community networks.
Event details
• Sunday 19 April 2026
• 12 noon to 3pm
• Location to be advised see website Pride Picnic 2026 Tickets, Location to be advised, Oakleigh | TryBooking Australia
• Cost: free
Resources
Mental Health and Wellbeing Self Care
The world can feel uncertain and heavy at times and can leave many of us feeling fatigued, burnt out, and caught in a constant cycle of worry, grief, and stress.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. It’s natural to feel the effects of that in different ways. In moments like these, gentle selfcare can offer a quiet sense of support and grounding.
Acknowledging how we feel is an important first step toward caring for ourselves and supporting those around us.
During times like these, prioritising self‑care is more important than ever. Small, intentional actions can help protect our mental health, strengthen our resilience, and improve our overall wellbeing.
While we all have different ways of practising self-care, the ultimate goal is to make sure we spend time doing things that:
- Make us feel happy and healthy
- Lower our risk of disease and illness
- Help us manage stress or cope during challenging times
- Allow us to feel physically and psychologically safe
- Promote strong social connections
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Resource Sharing in community
Sometimes, self-care activities don’t require much thought - like brushing our teeth or having a coffee with a friend.
Ultimately, a self-care activity is something that fills our ‘wellbeing cup’ instead of emptying it. For more information, tools and more visit Lifeline’s website found here.
Our community Art and Wellbeing event reframes self‑care from something we do alone to something we experience together. By creating, sharing, and connecting as a group, self‑care becomes collective — reminding us that care can be found in community, belonging, and shared moments, not just individual effort.
Places to reach out to
It’s completely okay to feel not okay sometimes.
At Project Respect, we offer free, confidential, person-centred and person-led, non-judgmental support.
We connect to and create community.
We provide safe community activities including lunch and gardening, and art & wellbeing.
If you need any emergency or crisis support, please see the numbers below:
- Lifeline - Anonymous 24 hour crisis support: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue - Mental health and wellbeing support: 1300 22 4636
- 1800Respect - Sexual assault, domestic or family violence support: 1800 737 732
- Switchboard - LGBTQIA+ support: 1800 729 367
- Men’s Referral Service – Support for men who use violence: 1300 766 491
- Emergency Services - Ambulance, Police, Fire: 000
Free Support Initiatives
Free Public Transport in VICTORIA for the month of April. See more information at Free public transport across Victoria - Transport Victoria
We’ve gathered a few initiatives from food organisations around Melbourne that are supporting people experiencing food insecurity. This list is shared as a gentle resource—whether for yourself, someone you care about, or to help support friends, family, or others in your community who may need a little extra help right now.
North Fitzroy Library
Community pantry | Yarra City Council
Yarra has a community pantry available at Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library with basic items that are available during opening hours for anyone that needs them.
Frozen ready made meals provided by not-for-profit organisation Fareshare are also available from their freezer. Please speak to a staff member to enquire about current stock levels and dietary options. 
Open Pantry Carlton
Community Lunches, Pantry & Market — Open Table
Open Pantry is a barrier-free food access program providing free, fresh produce and pantry staples, along with a warm, shared meal for anyone experiencing food insecurity, social isolation, or financial stress. There are no eligibility requirements, no referrals - just good food, a welcoming space, and a seat at the table for all.
They are holding a Free Fresh Food Market on 01 May. Located at the Fitzroy Estate Rear of 140 Brunswick Street (near the basketball court)
3.30pm-5pm.
Open Pantry at Burwood Neighbourhood House
Open Pantry @ Burwood Neighbourhood House — Burwood Neighbourhood House
The Burwood Neighbourhood House Open Pantry is available 24/7 The pantry is located outside by the front door of the building and is kept stocked with a small supply of non-perishible items.
Glenroy Neighbourhood House, Free Pantry items and fresh produce at 5B Cromwell Street Glenroy. Drop in on Tuesdays between 10am – 12pm. Call 9304 3910
You can also look for initiatives in your local area using this interactive map at Find Food.
We would love to hear any feedback you have and any ideas on what you would like to see included in the upcoming editions. You can email us at [email protected] :)
All the best,
Project Respect
9416 3401 | 0477 001 110 | PO BOX 1323 Collingwood 3066 | Monday-Friday 9-5pm
If you need any emergency or crisis support, please see the numbers below:
- Lifeline - Anonymous 24 hour crisis support: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue - Mental health and wellbeing support: 1300 22 4636
- 1800Respect - Sexual assault, domestic or family violence support: 1800 737 732
- Switchboard - LGBTQIA+ support: 1800 729 367
- Men’s Referral Service – Support for men who use violence: 1300 766 491
- Emergency Services - Ambulance, Police, Fire: 000
You can read our Privacy and Complaints statement and process on our website.