General News
18 June, 2025
Milion dollar support for the "vulnerable"
WillowTree 37 receives State funding
Advocates of WillowTree 37 in Warwick were further buoyed by the announcement last week of $1.04 million in state government funding following the April visit of the Honourable Amanda Camm MP, Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety.
Despite feeling unwell, the Member for Southern Downs, James Lister was in touch with our newspaper to express his pride at this "terrific outcome".
"I am extremely proud to have successfully advocated for ... (this) funding over the next four years to support the wonderful, essential work done by WillowTree 37 Women's Support Centre in Warwick," he said.
“This will expand WillowTree 37’s provision of emotional, social, and practical support, such showers, laundry, and basic daily food, clothing and hygiene needs, in a safe, friendly, and understanding environment."
Acknowledging the Crisafulli government, and Treasurer David Janetzki MP, Mr Lister said "so much love and hard work" is invested at the facility to assist vulnerable women in the region.
Posting further comments on Facebook, Mr Lister also acknowledged the need to offer services for men who may also be in need of similar assistance, when a reader responded with positivity but raised his concerns for broader help.
Southern Downs Mayor, Cr Melissa Hamilton acknowledged those involved in progressing and accomodating the funding, saying, “Far too often women in regional Queensland do not have access to the support they need," as did Deputy Mayor, Cr Sheryl Windle.
“It is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the management board, staff, volunteers and donors of WillowTree 37 who saved this service, and who have shown the Queensland government how important a community-led response is to domestic and family violence,” Cr Windle said.
Beyond this local news, the Crisafulli government will provide $2.544 million over the next four years to Protea Place Women’s Support Centre in Toowoomba, the facility described as "a crucial service that provides advocacy and referrals for women experiencing or recovering from domestic and family violence, as well as those at risk of homelessness, or struggling with mental health and other health issues".
Treasurer and Member for Toowoomba South, David Janetzki said the importance of Protea Place "can’t be overstated". “Our community has been left devastated by recent incidents of domestic violence and the Crisafulli government is firmly focused on supporting and addressing the issue because every Queenslander deserves to live their life without fear and abuse," Mr Jantski said.
Consistent and alarming increases in reports of domestic violence have solidified the need for government action and Minister Camm said she was pleased to visit both Protea Place and WillowTree37.
“I attended a candlelight vigil in Toowoomba run by Protea Place ... (and) have sat down with the volunteers at WillowTree 37 in Warwick, and heard firsthand from those communities how important these services are for their region,” she said.
For information about WillowTree 37 and its services visit www.wt37.org
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