Our Team
Our staff and management committee are a group of skilled, compassionate and persistent leaders, from both the business and community sectors in Toowoomba, who are determined to effect change in our region.
Amanda Dalton is the founder of Protea Place Inc. and created the model for Protea Place Women's Support Centre. Amanda has over 25 years experience in the Social Services Sector and identified the need for a women's support centre in Toowoomba.
Amanda has extensive knowledge, experience and qualifications in Service Management, community development, homelessness and complex case management.
Megan O’Shannessy is the CEO of Qld Rural Medical Education, delivering the Griffith University Rural Medical Program on the Darling Downs.She is a member of the Darling Downs Health Service Board, the QLD Medical Board, the Darling Downs West Moreton Primary Health Network & the Platinum Health group.
Megan is an Associate Professor at the Griffith University School of Medicine, has a Master of Public Health, Bachelor of Nursing and is a GAICD. Megan brings high level leadership, care and compassion to the TWC Committee.
Annie Smith brings a wealth of experience to Protea Place, with over 25 years accounting experience in commercial accounting roles, small business advisory and university finance, having worked and lived in the UK, US as well as Australia. Annie is an animal lover and in her day job, Annie oversees finance operations for her family’s two veterinary businesses and manages the day to day operations for Veterinary Orthopaedics Pty Ltd.
Annie is a compassionate people person and loves giving back in her role at Protea Place. Annie has a Bachelor of Commerce and is a CPA.
Amanda Tolson is a Director at Clifford Gouldson Lawyers. Amanda joined TWC in the forming stages of the organisation and was pivotal in setting up the strategic and legal structure. As a local business owner and mother of a young family, Amanda is very committed to giving back to her community via her professional skills and her heart for the community.
Amanda has a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology & Psychology) and is GAICD.
With more than 15 years of experience providing tax and business advice to local businesses, Jade is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of our community.
Serving as a committee member of Protea Place has been incredibly rewarding, providing her with valuable insight into the challenges our community faces, and the meaningful solution-based work of Protea Place.
Mark was (delete until recently) the Regional Director responsible for state government housing and homelessness services and funding in South West Queensland. He has qualifications in social work and management. He has also worked in a range of policy and service delivery roles in local and state government in both NSW and Queensland. He has experience in disability services, regional development and community services.
Throughout his career Mark was client focused and promoted innovative solutions to better meet the needs of vulnerable people. He has been a supporter of Protea Place since its inception. He sees this service as a unique community driven initiative focused on collaborating with women to address their needs. He has (make is present rather than in the future) been using his experience in government to enhance the sustainability of Protea Place model with a focus on governance and funding. He lives in Ipswich with his wife and their dog Jake.
Helen McGrath is the Integration Manager of the Toowoomba Housing Hub and has had an extensive career in State and Federal Government agencies. Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Committee and is a well respected senior professional from within the Housing and Homelessness sector.
Helen has significant experience in partnerships, service delivery and driving innovation in community. Helen joined the Communitee to help make a difference in the community.
Kim is passionate about Women's empowerment and inclusive communities.
She brings an extensive background in media, marketing and engagement, establishing her own communications business in 1988.
Kim is the Co-Founder of The Business Disability Awards of Australia (est 2012), she was a member of the Regional Access Disability Advisory Committee for Toowoomba Regional Council for over 6 years, and has served on numerous management boards and committees including Down Syndrome Qld.