What’s happening?
A new purpose-built women’s community hub has officially launched at Grand Central in Toowoomba.
The Apiary Women’s Community Hub is a partnership between women’s support service Protea Place, Grand Central and a network of local trades, community organisations and government partners.
The space offers an inclusive environment where women can build confidence, develop skills, find connection and take positive steps toward employment and long term recovery.
Protea Place will continue to operate as the region’s headquarters for crisis support. The Apiary provides a dedicated next step pathway focused on employment readiness, reducing loneliness and isolation, nurturing creativity and strengthening community connection.
Women visiting The Apiary can access initiatives including The Honey Pot community coffee lounge and the Labels with Love Boutique.
Labels with Love is the social enterprise arm of The Apiary. Funds raised from the new and preloved clothing boutique will be reinvested into program delivery.
The Apiary will open to the public from Monday, 9 March. Walk-in hours will run from 10 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday.
The Labels with Love Boutique inside The Apiary will trade on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Why it matters
The hub creates a supportive environment where women can rebuild confidence and take steps toward employment and connection.
It also provides a pathway beyond crisis support, helping women move forward through skills development and community engagement.
Protea Place CEO Amanda Dalton said the opening marked an important milestone.
“This is an epic start to the year and the realisation of an eight-year dream,” she said.
“The Apiary is a hub of connection, creativity, community and upskilling. While Protea Place remains our HQ for crisis support, this space provides the vital ‘next step’ for women rebuilding their lives.
“From a complete renovation and a $200,000 donated fit-out, to the grants and community investment that followed, this has only been possible because our community stepped up and made it happen.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our tradies, suppliers, funders, and the incredible team from Grand Central and QIC, who helped bring this vision to life.”
Local impact
Grand Central Centre Manager Tracey Ford said the hub shows the impact of strong community partnerships.
“The Apiary has been a true collaboration, from the generosity of our trade partners to the incredible work of Protea Place,” she said.
“Together, we’ve created a place where women can find trust, dignity and connection, and this is just the beginning of what we hope will be a lasting community legacy.
“We welcome all women to visit The Apiary, support the Labels with Love boutique, join community activities, or simply take time to unwind and connect.
“Grand Central is proud to be more than a place to shop; we aim to be a place that genuinely gives back.”
Member for Toowoomba North and Assistant Minister to the Premier for Cabinet and South West Queensland, Trevor Watts, said the project reflects strong local collaboration.
“This is Toowoomba at its best, backing each other, lifting each other, and creating real opportunity,” he said.
“The Apiary shows what’s possible when local organisations, businesses and government work together for women in our region.
“With $170,000 through Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding and a $2.544 million, four-year funding commitment from the Crisafulli Government, this hub will help women rebuild confidence, gain skills and step into employment.”
By the numbers
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$200,000 in labour, materials and expertise was donated by local trades and suppliers to complete the renovation and fit out of The Apiary.
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$30,000 community grant from Tursa Employment and Training supported the project.
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$100,000 multi year investment from Future Generation Women contributed to the hub.
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$170,000 in Skills for Queensland funding was announced at the opening to deliver the Bloom Work Readiness Program.
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$2.544 million in four-year funding has been committed by the Crisafulli Government to support programs delivered through Protea Place and The Apiary.
Zoom in
The Apiary includes community-focused spaces that encourage connection and participation.
The Honey Pot community coffee lounge offers a place for women to gather and connect.
Labels with Love operates as a social enterprise boutique selling new and preloved clothing, with funds reinvested into program delivery.
Zoom out
The Apiary reflects a collaborative effort between community organisations, businesses, trades and government partners.
The project highlights how shared community support can help deliver programs focused on connection, skills and employment pathways.
What to look for next
The Bloom Work Readiness Program will begin in April.
