Amanda Dalton

Amanda Dalton is the founder and CEO of Protea Place Inc. Toowoomba (Protea Place Women’s Support Centre) established in 2019. Amanda has more than 23 years’ experience and practice in the social services sector and identified the need for a women’s support centre in Toowoomba. She has extensive knowledge and experience in complex cases, homelessness, domestic and family violence, trauma informed and DFV informed practice and community development.

Amanda began her career in youth work, youth justice and child protection and went on to develop several programs supporting young women. Prior to creating Protea Place, Amanda managed a number of youth programs, youth and crisis accommodation and finally a domestic violence refuge. It was during this time that she felt compelled to create a program with a difference. One that was inspired by the stories of women she had worked to support. One that met the needs of women experiencing housing crisis and trauma through a responsive, holistic and trauma informed model. With no government funding, Amanda dedicated herself to ensuring the service not only survives but thrives.

Protea Place is based on connection. A safe place for women to come for a comforting hot meal, a shower, and a range of other dignity services. A soft entry point for any woman in need. Rather than just being a “Dignity Service” providing the bare minimum, Protea Place was designed to be a true NO WRONG DOOR approach to women in housing crisis. Women are assisted with a range of supports from housing, addiction recovery, DFV, mental health, legal matters and employment. All under one roof, situated in a beautiful old home in the Toowoomba CBD the transformation of lives takes place every day. A model that can be scaled up or down to meet the needs of unique communities.