Nellies Safer Spaces for Women and Girls Project
Interactive installations are now in place on Yacaaba Street in Nelson Bay, supporting safer public spaces for women and girls through art, data and community insight.
The Nellies Safer Spaces for Women and Girls Project features four digital displays designed in collaboration with local women and girls. Using light, sound and artwork, the installations form part of the streetscape and encourage people to interact with the space, particularly at night.
Data collected through the Nellies will help the NSW Government better understand how public spaces are used and identify opportunities to improve safety into the future.
The project is led by the University of Newcastle in partnership with FASTLabs, Design Anthology, Saphi, Peclet, Urbis and Port Stephens Council. It is funded by the NSW Government through Transport for NSW.
Council is supporting the project as part of its ongoing work in community wellbeing, placemaking, public art and town centre activation. This aligns with Council’s broader focus on creating places that are welcoming, connected and safe for the community.
Community members are encouraged to visit the Nellies on Yacaaba Street and take part in the experience.
Women featured in the Nellies
The installations feature local women sharing their perspectives on safety, wellbeing and community.
Fiona Brown is an International Women’s Day Scholarship recipient and founder of YOUtopia WELLbeing. She supports women to build confidence and develop strong communication skills. Her work focuses on helping women express themselves clearly while supporting their overall wellbeing.
Fiona highlights the importance of safe public spaces in enabling women to move freely, access opportunities and participate in community life. She also recognises the broader physical and mental health benefits of feeling safe and comfortable in outdoor environments.
Maddie Lilley is the Port Stephens Young Person of the Year for 2024 and a proud advocate for the Worimi community. She represents young people through language, culture and community leadership.
Maddie recognises the importance of safe spaces for women to express themselves without fear and to support emotional and mental wellbeing. She also highlights the importance of culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal women, particularly in maintaining identity and addressing unique challenges.
Janine Hanna is an International Women’s Day Scholarship recipient and founder of the Women’s Healing Sanctuary. Her work focuses on supporting women’s emotional and physical wellbeing.
Janine emphasises that safe spaces allow women to reduce stress and feel secure, supporting confidence and empowerment in everyday life.
Leah Anderson is the first woman to hold the role of the Mayor of Port Stephens. She is committed to supporting a community where people feel safe, included and connected.
Her involvement in the Nellies reflects Council’s focus on improving safety and wellbeing in public spaces and supporting initiatives that respond to community needs.