Protea Place to open Warwick-first women’s support centre in 2023 with immense community backing

Warwick has rolled up its sleeves ahead of the initial construction of a women’s support centre, with businesses pledging donations to install amenities for the project set to be the first of its kind in the region. Read the inspiring story here.

A brand new women’s support centre is on the way to Warwick, with renovations of the site beginning next month.

The centre will be the first of its kind in the Rose City, providing support, dignity and safety to vulnerable women in the region.

With preparations expected to begin in December next to Warwick Uniting Church, Warwick’s Protea Place will be open and serving the community by the middle of 2023.

While the project has yet to break ground, community support has already ensured the bathroom, floors, kitchen and laundry amenities will be provided through donations by local businesses.

Protea Place CEO Amanda Dalton said it has been incredible how the community has stepped up within the first week to help with pledging support for the planned centre.

Opening the first branch in Toowoomba in 2019, Protea Place has quickly became a community staple providing essential resources and support for women in need.

Protea Place CEO Amanda Dalton has been blown away by the warm reception the Rose City has shown leading up to the Warwick branch opening. (Photo: Bev Lacey)

“We’re self-funded by the community and so far Warwick has blown us away,” Ms Dalton said.

“There’s very little support in regional areas, which is why Warwick was chosen, it’s not going to happen by itself.

“It’s a good feeling to see the community jump on board and see the value in it, we can’t just sit around for the day when a government department gives us money, it’s a great example of a community rolling up their sleeves and helping to get the ball rolling.”

The Warwick branch has already had several significant donations by local businesses, including pledges of a new kitchen and bathroom for the centre, and a large cash donation by the Small Steps for Hannah foundation.

“Our focus is definitely on rural and remote regions, we’ve just got to pace ourselves and not bite off more than we can chew,” Ms Dalton said.

“It’s only been possible by the great team behind us and community support, it’s definitely a team effort.”