Thanks to Steph

9 April 2024

Rest Peacefully Steph,


Every so often we get an email that stops us in our tracks. Today was one of those days. Stephanie Andrews (Steph)  lived with Disability and was supported by YellowBridge QLD for 15 years.


She endured many struggles during her lifetime and we've just been told that in the early days she would have really benefited from being able to access the services of organisations like Protea Place and what we have to offer.


She was an advocate for supporting vulnerable women and giving them hope, knowing that there is a better life for them. Steph had wanted to become a volunteer at Protea Place however she did not get this opportunity as she passed away from Cancer in December 2023.


Stephs photo will be placed in Protea Place along with other women who have passed but who leave a lasting legacy of care to their community.


Thank you Steph, we'll miss your big smile!

Steph Andrews

Photo and content used with full consent of Stephs family

"A donation of $1,500.00 has been made to us on behalf of Steph. We are truly honoured by this beautiful gesture."


Protea Place

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!