By Lucy Waldron
The Warwick community was taken by surprise with the unexpected announcement of the closure of Protea Place Warwick. The facility, which has been a critical support system for vulnerable women in the area, will cease its services just shy of its one-year anniversary.
Protea Place CEO Amanda Dalton expressed her sadness over the closure but remained optimistic about the legacy left behind for Warwick women.
“Protea Place created the pathway for there to be a service and a beautiful building that can still be utilised by vulnerable women,” Ms Dalton said.
“It would be sad if we were having to close and nothing was being left behind. So I guess it’s the best possible outcome we could have hoped for, given the circumstances without funding.”
During its 12-month pilot period, Protea Place Warwick quickly became a beacon of hope for women experiencing homelessness, disadvantage, and domestic and family violence. The need for such a service in the community was evident from the beginning.
As Protea Place prepares to close, it is said the Domestic Violence Action Centre will step in to fill the void.
Watch this space for more information in the coming weeks
