Media Release: Funding to Support Toowoomba’s Protea Place

24 September 2024

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.

View the Media Release PDF
Stephen Miles - QLD Premier

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.” 

A man and a woman are standing next to each other in front of a building.

Important Update: Louise Hunt

22 April 2025
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, the Protea Place team, try to articulate the profound sadness and grief we feel at the loss of our beautiful friend, Louise Hunt. Today, standing alongside Mayor Geoff McDonald , we struggled to find words adequate to express the devastation that has gripped our community. The raw emotion and visible distress of our Mayor spoke volumes about the impact Louise had on everyone who knew her.

Thanks to the Toowoomba Community

15 April 2025
MASSIVE SHOUTOUT: Celebrating Our Amazing Local Supporters! Today, we want to shine a light on the incredibly generous and supportive local businesses who are the backbone of Protea Place, helping us make our everyday operations possible. Many of these wonderful businesses have been with us since we opened our doors in 2019 and continue to stand alongside us in unwavering support of our community. From having 100% of our rent covered by the incredible TUFF Australia , to the beautiful complimentary floral arrangements provided by Floral Image Ipswich & Darling Downs , every single contribution is deeply valued and treasured.
A group of women are posing for a picture on a balcony.

Thanks to Lou's Place

8 April 2025
Huge thanks to Lou's Place ! Six years ago, in our early days of dreaming and building Protea Place, we journeyed to Sydney to visit the incredible Lou's Place . It was the closest model we could find to the vision we held, a beacon of hope in action for vulnerable women. We spent a day surrounded by kindred spirits – women utterly devoted to creating a better world. We spoke the same language, shared the same unwavering determination, and knew we had found our tribe. [ Link to ABC Compass story about Lou's Place ] Lou's Place generously shared their invaluable knowledge, learnings, and insights from their many years of incredible work. While six years have brought changes – a move to a new home in Redfern and the natural evolution of staff – the bond forged that day remains a cherished part of Protea Place's history. Amanda D, Jacqui, and Amanda T made that crucial trip possible six years ago, allowing the Toowoomba Women's Collective to learn from Lou's Place's 20 years of impactful work. We continue to admire your vital work in providing a safe and non-judgmental space for women in crisis. Thank you for your pioneering spirit and for showing us what's possible!