Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald has praised the CEO of Toowoomba’s Protea Place Women’s Support Centre, Amanda Dalton, for her recognition at this week’s Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) conference in Brisbane.

Ms Dalton was the winner in the Community Category of the 2024 Alison Woolla Memorial Award which recognises local leadership in the fight against domestic and family violence (DFV) in Queensland. 

Mayor McDonald praised Ms Dalton and the work of Protea Place in supporting women impacted by domestic and family violence.

“I’m pleased and proud that Amanda has been recognised with this state-wide award at this week’s LGAQ conference in Brisbane.

“Since launching Protea Place more than five years ago, Amanda has overseen and facilitated the support of more than 13,000 women from across the Toowoomba region.

“The support centre provides practical aid to women affected by DFV, homelessness and disadvantage, providing hot meals, showers and home setups through their "Welcome Home" project. 

“There’s no doubt the centre provides an invaluable and vital service to the women of the Toowoomba Region each and every day.

“With more than 25 years’ experience in the social welfare sector, Amanda has been a strong advocate of DFV awareness, working tirelessly to bring about change at all levels and is thoroughly deserving of this award,” Mayor McDonald said.   

The annual Alison Woolla Memorial Award celebrates the incredible legacy of the former Aurukun Mayor who dedicated her life to making a difference in her community by addressing DFV and protecting people affected by it. 

As the winner of the Community Category, Ms Dalton will also receive a $5,000 bursary to be used to continue her work in preventing and raising awareness of DFV.  

Photo Caption: Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald with CEO of Protea Place Amanda Dalton (centre) and Manager of Protea Place Linda De Leiuen at last night’s LGAQ Awards where Amanda received the 2024 Alison Woolla Memorial Award for her work to prevent domestic and family violence in the community.