Yumba-Meta Limited (YML) manages two Women’s Shelters in Townsville to provide 24/7 support every day of the year.

Flora House and Elsie House are safe places for women and children escaping domestic and family violence, in a home-like environment.

These facilities provide access to support services, including a child counsellor and case managers who help women navigate the court and legal system, and more.

YML also works closely with local State Schools to return children who’ve been living with domestic or family violence to regular schooling.

Flora House has seven rooms in shared accommodation and one self-contained three-bedroom unit. Flora House’s services are in high demand and severely underfunded.

The YML-owned Elsie House has six rooms and opened in January 2021. It is Townsville’s only shelter specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands women and children.

The Queensland State Government and the Federal Government provide funding to YML to operate the shelters with 24/7 staffing 365 days of the year.

Referrals can be made through

• DV Connect
  on 1800 811 811
• Women’s Centre
  on 4775 7555
• Self-Referral
  on 4723 5611