Protea Place chief executive Amanda Dalton reveals future of DV response in Warwick after end of pilot program
The chief executive of Protea Place has revealed she is hopeful about the future of domestic violence crisis support in the region after the end of a trial period in Warwick, which drew criticism from other organisations.
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The founder of Protea Place has revealed plans for the Southern Downs amid speculation and misinformation surrounding the closure of a women’s crisis support hub in the region.
Last week, news ‘broke’ that the women’s support centre would close following a 12-month trial period.
Protea Place chief executive Amanda Dalton said the trial period was stated from the start, in various interviews, posts and even on the website.
“A pilot project runs for a short time only and is used to allow the lead organisation to test and assess the viability for a longer term implementation,” Ms Dalton said.
“The pilot period is an opportunity for the community to get behind the project, to help ensure all aspects are supported and used. This was always our intention and stated in various interviews, posts and on our website.
“There is no doubt the pilot showed a dire need for the service, that women were accessing it and the community was sharing the word of what we did.”
Ms Dalton said Protea Place receives no government funding which placed significant stress on the organisation to function and thrive.
“A crucial aspect of the Warwick pilot was to assess the community’s capacity to contribute on an ongoing basis. Due to the current economic and cost of living crisis, together with being a small rural population, fundraising to the required level has proved extremely difficult,” Ms Dalton said.
“We want to help the community, and we want there to be some legacy of support to be left behind.”
In August 2023, Protea Place opened a hub in Warwick to help assist with the increasing number of women in the region facing homelessness. Since opening, the service is said to have supported 300 women in the region.
“Since the announcement (of the pilot program finishing), we have been advised that a local group has responded quickly and are working on a potential plan to take over the model and services from Protea Place,” she said.
The Protea Place model is unique and differs from traditional organisations in that women in need can turn up and get support through a personalised, face-to-face approach.
Women in need are able to have a shower, a meal, laundry and clothing and physical support along with case management and housing assistance all under one roof.
The integrated model of support allows that women are at the centre of the support and not required to visit different agencies, Ms Dalton said.
“That’s music to our ears, it’s the best possible thing we could have seen - that the model is being adapted and the community has validated how unique and important the model is,” she said.
“This is truly very encouraging and the best possible outcome we could have hoped for, that the model and service are valued by the community and they want it to work and be here for the community long into the future.
“It’s shown us that we all want the same thing for vulnerable women in the community, and they are willing to fight for it. I think that is really powerful when the community cares what happens and they have acted with urgency and pulled together to show we all want support for vulnerable women in the community.”
Ms Dalton said the residual funds from Protea Place will be kept in Warwick and will be used to continue the valuable work of supporting vulnerable women in the region.
“The pilot officially finishes at the end of July however Protea Place are really looking forward to working with the Warwick community to ensure a smooth handover,” she said.
“This local response has shown the community doesn’t want to lose this, let’s create a response and carry on a legacy.”
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Originally published as Protea Place chief executive Amanda Dalton reveals future of DV response in Warwick after end of pilot program
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