Crisafulli government grants vital regional women’s support service million-dollar funding

When the system fails vulnerable women, this regional support service steps in to guide them back to the light.

Women escaping violence or facing homelessness are increasingly left in the lurch, an issue this regional Queensland women’s support service has witnessed time and time again.

WillowTree 37, nestled in the heart of Warwick is not your average support service - here you’ll be greeted by warmth, a cuppa and a listening ear, just for a start.

There’s no other service like it in the Southern Downs, with the Crisafulli government’s $1.04m funding contribution across the next four years a testament to the necessity of the service.

Vital funds for a vital service

Southern Downs MP James Lister expressed his gratitude to the Crisafulli government, particularly Treasurer David Janetzki and Child Safety and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Amanda Camm for the vital funding.

“I congratulate the magnificent team at WillowTree 37, who put so much love and hard work into assisting vulnerable women in and around Warwick,” Mr Lister said.

“I was truly proud to take the minister there and to introduce her to the WillowTree 37 team, who clearly impressed the minister.

“This funding announcement recognises the real need for support which the WillowTree 37 team have been trying to fulfil on their own, without government assistance, for women facing hardship such as homelessness and domestic and family violence.”

Southern Downs MP James Lister, WillowTree 37 president Jill Bockman and Child Safety and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Amanda Camm during the minister’s visit to the women's support service. Photo: Facebook/WillowTree 37

Now the site of the former Protea Place Warwick, it’s thanks to a committee of steadfast community members who fought to keep a dedicated women’s support service alive.

For committee president Jill Bockman, the much-needed funding will bring a reprieve and allow the service to operate five days a week.

Ms Bockman said the service has seen no shortage of women coming through its doors since opening in mid-2024.

“The numbers have been fairly big, I was down there on Tuesday and we had seven women come through in four hours,” she said.

The service has been operating two days a week with only four staff, two of whom are unpaid volunteers.

More than a shoulder to cry on

Women who flee violence or are facing homelessness due to the rising cost of living often don’t know what their options or next move are.

“We can help them get set up with Centrelink and other services, they can have a warm meal, do their laundry and watch TV at no cost,” Ms Bockman said.

“I like to think of us as a one stop shop.

“It’s amazing how just a cuppa and a chat can really help these women.”

Ms Bockman said she’s been amazed by the generosity of the community who has continued to donate food and other items, keeping their expenditure down.

Minister Camm was extremely impressed by the women's support service, granting them a million dollars in funding over the next four years. Photo: Facebook/WillowTree 37

“We were giving a talk just recently to Zonta Stanthorpe and no one there had heard about the service,” she said.

“We left with dozens of blankets and the same thing happened after we visited the quilting ladies in Stanthorpe.

“So one of our goals is to keep getting the word out there that the service exists and what we can do.”

Homelessness and DV waits for no one

An issue the service faces is facilitating after-hours emergency accommodation for women and children.

“One of the things we’re looking at is getting the police involved to help organise emergency accommodation after-hours,” Ms Bockman said.

“They’re the only ones around at night when these things happen.”

While no such service is available in Warwick, there’s a program in Stanthorpe with local police where those fleeing domestic violence are provided with a debit card to access safe accommodation.

For anyone looking to donate to WillowTree 37, donations are accepted at the door and can also be dropped off at the Uniting Church.