Welcome to Protea Place
About Protea
Protea Place Inc. is a local Toowoomba charity, established in late 2018 to assist vulnerable women in the region. Founder and CEO, Amanda Dalton, created the initiative based on over 25 years of experience in the social services sector after identifying significant gaps and the need to provide support services specific to women.
Our History
Protea Place began with a proactive group of local women who were passionate about creating tangible change for women experiencing hardship in the Toowoomba community. Determined to create a safe and supportive place where women could access practical help, they worked together to establish a dedicated women's support centre.
The foundational program, Protea Place Women's Support Centre, opened its doors in September 2019. Its launch was made possible through an extraordinary community effort, with local businesses, trades and service providers coming together to complete a full renovation and upgrade of the facility in just four weeks.
Two local construction companies also stepped forward to cover the centre's rent for its first two years, helping ensure the service could open and begin supporting women as quickly as possible.
Originally established as The Toowoomba Women's Collective Inc., the organisation officially changed its name to Protea Place Inc. in November 2020 to reflect the strong connection, recognition and impact of the work being delivered through Protea Place Women's Support Centre.
Today, Protea Place continues to grow in response to community need, providing a safe, welcoming place where women can access dignity services, practical support and pathways toward safety, stability and independence.
Supporting Women in Need
As the region's only dedicated Women's Support Centre, Protea Place has become a trusted hub for women seeking support. Women access the centre through referrals from funded programs, government agencies, community organisations, and through word-of-mouth self-referrals. Protea Place provides a safe, welcoming space where women can connect with practical assistance, support services, and pathways toward safety, stability and independence.
Evolution
Protea Place was originally developed in response to the growing number of women over 55 experiencing homelessness in the region. As the service grew, it quickly evolved to meet the broader and changing needs of the women seeking support.
Today, Protea Place welcomes all women over 18 without accompanying children. Women who present in crisis with children are warmly supported and assisted with appropriate referrals to ensure they receive the help they need.
Until 2025, Protea Place operated entirely without government funding, relying on community donations, sponsorships, grants and dedicated fundraising. In mid-2025, the Queensland Government committed $2.544 million over four years, recognising the vital role Protea Place plays in supporting vulnerable women in the community.
Meet the team
Team behind protea
2018
Protea Place Inc. was formed by a proactive group of local women led by founder and CEO Amanda Dalton, created to address gaps in support services for vulnerable women.
2019
The foundational Women's Support Centre program officially opened its doors. A rapid renovation of the facility was completed in just four weeks, made possible by local businesses and volunteers. Initially, service operated 2 days per week.
2020
The organisation changed its name from The Toowoomba Women's Collective Inc. to Protea Place Inc to better reflect its growing identity and reputation.
2023
Services expanded operations to 5 days per week within six months of opening due to increasing demand and community support.
Protea Place launched a pilot women's support centre in Warwick, extending reach into the Southern Downs region.
2024
The Warwick pilot program wound up under Protea Place management and was lovingly gifted to the local community, evolving into its own entity named as Willowtree 37, to continue serving women in that region under the Protea Place model.
Protea Place received a $636,000 Queensland Government one off contribution boost, helping secure its future and expand services; this announcement coincided with its 5th anniversary year.
2025
The Crisafulli LNP Government committed approximately $2.5 million in funding to Protea Place over four years, recognising the vital role the service plays in supporting vulnerable women and strengthening its long-term sustainability.
Purchased a short stay safe haven cottage for women in need. Named "Louises Cottage" after a much loved Protea Place Supporter Louise Griffiths, who was stolen from her family and community in an act of domestic violence in April 2025. Funds to purchase the property were donated by an anonymous local donor, funds raised by the Gather and Graze 2024 event and local donations.
Annual Report showcased major strategic milestones including strengthened governance, property acquisition for transitional accommodation, and plans for a new women's community hub (The Apiary).
2026
The Apiary Women's Community Hub opened in Grand Central Shopping Centre. This hub was created to provide a next step approach in recovery, connection, wellbeing, employment readiness and social participation. The Apiary is a non-crisis program that offers an on site coffee lounge, pre loved social enterprise clothing boutique, employment readiness programs, community spaces and psychosocial activities for women.
With ongoing community fundraising and service innovation, Protea Place continues to expand programs focused on dignity, crisis support, case management, psychosocial groups, and reintegration services.