Community & Business
20 June, 2025
Funding for women’s crisis support centres
The State Government will provide $2.544 million over the next four years to Toowoomba’s Protea Place Women’s Support Centre and more than $1 million to Warwick’s WillowTree 37.
Protea Place provides advocacy and referrals for women experiencing or recovering from domestic and family violence, as well as those at risk of homelessness, or struggling with mental health and other health issues.
Treasurer David Janetzki said Protea Place provided critical support, dignity and safety to Toowoomba women in need.
“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,” Mr 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.”
Reported incidents of domestic violence have resulted in police officers responding to an incident every three minutes.
The Queensland Government will also provide more than $1 million over four years to WillowTree 37, which provides critical, urgent and ongoing assistance to vulnerable women to assist in meeting immediate needs and support access to services in Warwick and surrounding communities.
Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the funding would allow WillowTree 37 to further support those women facing hardship in and around Warwick.
“I thank the new Crisafulli state government, and particularly Treasurer David Janetzki and Minister Amanda Camm for this new funding, and I congratulate the magnificent team at Willow Tree 37, who put so much love and hard work into assisting vulnerable women in and around Warwick,” Mr Lister said.
“This will expand WillowTree 37’s provision of emotional, social, and practical support, such 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.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said it was crucial services on the front line had the necessary funding.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to protecting victims whether that’s through the introduction of police protection directions, GPS trackers on high-risk DFV offenders, the opening of new Hope Hubs across the State, or ensuring funding is getting to where it is needed,” Ms Camm said.
Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said the funding ensures help remains close at hand when it’s needed most.
“This funding provides certainty for dedicated staff, volunteers, and for the women who rely on it, many of whom are facing homelessness, domestic violence or are at risk of falling through the cracks,” Mr Watts said.
