Media Release: Funding to Support Toowoomba’s Protea Place
Premier Steven Miles has announced a $636,135 investment in Toowoomba’s Protea Place.
The funding amount is intended to support the essential service for one year of operations. The Queensland Labor Party has pledged to advocate for continued funding to be considered in next year's budget, should they be elected in October's state election.
Who are Protea Place?
Based in Toowoomba, Protea Place assists vulnerable women in the Darling Downs. As the region’s only dedicated women’s support centre, Protea Place provides a critical service for women in need, offering essential services such as a daytime drop in dignity support along with an integrated model of housing and health support to vulnerable women.
Importantly, Protea Place also refers women onto appropriate government agencies, when they present in times of crisis. Since 2023, Protea Place has provided more than 13,000 supports and services delivered across various needs categories, including:
- Brokerage and Emergency Relief: 1,687 services
- Dignity Services (clothing, laundry, showers, toiletries): 2,625 services
- Domestic and Family Violence Support: 889 services
- Health and Wellbeing: 4,663 services
- Housing Support: 763 services
- Meals: 2,581
Quotes from Premier Steven Miles:
“I know the services Protea Place provides are critical to women in Toowoomba, so I have acted to provide this immediate funding.
“Organisations like this are helping give dignity back to some of our most vulnerable community members, which matters.
“I want to thank the advocates who have helped make this happen.”
Quotes from Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath:
“We know women are more likely to be victims of domestic, family and sexual violence.
“We know women aged over 55 years are the fastest growing cohort of people at risk of homelessness in the country.
“We can’t let women slip through the cracks and that’s where an organisation like Protea Place comes in.
“They provide a vital service to vulnerable women on the Darling Downs or refer them to the appropriate government funded service providers.
“Helping organisations support local communities is something Labor governments can be relied upon, unlike the LNP which has historically cut funding for organisations who help those in need.”
Quotes from Protea Place Founder and CEO Amanda Dalton:
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this vital funding to continue our work to vulnerable women in the Toowoomba Region.
“This announcement lands on our 5th Birthday making it even more special. Our future without this funding was very unstable and this allows us to strengthen our work and place in the community.
“We sincerely thank the Premier, Steven Miles and Attorney General Yvette D’ath for acknowledging the work and value of Protea Place with this funding and look forward to working with you all going forward.
“Protea Place has grown from a need in the community and has only been possible to date due to the generous and unwavering support from our local community.
“We thank each and every sponsor, donor and supporter who stood with us to create impact and achieve this incredible outcome.”
Quotes from Protea Place President Megan O’Shannessy
“Our feeling of relief is overwhelming, knowing Protea Place can continue to support elderly vulnerable women into happy, sustainable homes in our community.
“Just as we provide wrap around care services to our women so the community wraps their care around Protea Place.
“Thank you to the Premier, Steven Miles and Attorney General Yvette D’ath.
“Thank you to everyone who has cared.”
