The Protea Place Women’s Centre can now rely on state funding in addition to grassroots support. Photo: Protea Place Women’s Support Centre, Facebook.
The Queensland Government has provided funding to support centres that offer a safe place for vulnerable women.
Reported incidents of domestic violence across the state have risen by almost 220 per cent in the past 10 years, straining an already stretched police force.
Darling Downs facilities will receive funding in the upcoming budget to provide critical services for women and children in need.
In addition, the Protea Place Women’s Support Centre in Toowoomba will receive $2.54 million. Protea Place is a charity established in 2018 to assist vulnerable women by providing advocacy and referrals for those experiencing or recovering from domestic and family violence, and those at risk of homelessness or struggling with health issues.
“It can’t be overstated how important this centre is to the wider Toowoomba community, providing clothing, meals and helping find accommodation for women who in many cases have nowhere else to go,” Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said.
“Our community has been left devastated by recent incidents of domestic violence and the Crisafulli Government is firmly focused on supporting and addressing the issue because every Queenslander deserves to live their life without fear and abuse.”
More than $1 million over four years will be allocated to WillowTree 37, which provides critical, urgent assistance to vulnerable women to meet immediate needs and access services.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said: ”I attended a candlelight vigil in Toowoomba run by Protea Place recently and have sat down with the volunteers at WillowTree 37 in Warwick and heard firsthand from those communities how important these services are for their region.”
The funding for WillowTree 37 will go a long way in improving its ability to help women.
Member for Southern Downs James Lister said: “This will expand WillowTree 37’s provision of emotional, social and practical support, such as showers, laundry and basic daily food, clothing and hygiene needs, in a safe, friendly and understanding environment.
”What a terrific outcome this is for WillowTree 37 and the Warwick community.”
