web-friends-on-the-street-schoolsGoodstart Learning in Wynnum and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Ipswich both led amazing supply drives to support their respective local Rosies branch. St Andrew’s Catholic College in Cairns (pictured) held their annual ‘In Da Hood’ Sleep Out fundraiser. St Columban’s College in Caboolture, San Sisto College and Loreto College Coorparoo in Brisbane, Silkwood School and Assisi Catholic College on the Gold Coast all have made a difference to support Rosies and our many friends on the street by raising funds for their local branch.
Whether childcare centres, primary schools, or high schools, without our wonderful student community support we would struggle to have the basics needed to reach out to our many friends on the street.

leneenforde-donbarton-friends-on-the-streetRosies General Manager is delighted to advise that Honourary Life Membership has been bestowed to our Patron, the Honourable Mrs Leneen Forde AC, and our long-time friend, Don Barton OAM (both pictured). Honorary Life Membership, and Life Membership, are the highest Awards available to recognise the exceptional contribution of individuals to Rosies. The Board endorsed the new Honourary category, and awarded our inaugural recipients, at our recent Annual General Meeting.

Don has been a very generous friend of Rosies since our very beginnings. Don recalls he, and his late wife Ann, started supporting Rosies immediately after a talk at Ann’s local Parish Mass. Rosies is most humbled by Don’s continued and very generous support in loving memory of his wife Ann. Leneen joined us as our very first Patron in 1997. Currently the Queensland Catholic Education Chair, Leneen has had a distinguished career including Chancellor of Griffith University, Governor of Queensland, and Chair of the Commission of Inquiry into the Abuse of Children in Queensland Institutions.
Don and Leneen join our two Life Members, Bob Boardman, Rosies former General Manager, and Theresa Sheppard, an inaugural volunteer and long term friend. These Awards recognise that exceptional support can be directly helping those most abandoned or indirectly to enable Rosies to do what we do best. Thank you Don and Leneen. You are truly inspirational.

The Archdiocese of Brisbane held a prayer service for prisoners, their families, and all affected by the criminal justice system, including victims of crime, in November. Rosies promoted, and was there to support, the initiative.
Let us remember our many friends on the street, at the courts, and in detention centres. Many are spending the festive season on their own. Rosies is often the only social interaction some receive over Christmas.
We keep them all in our prayers.

Our Chaplain Fr John David is happy to offer mass for the soul of a loved one or anyone who needs prayers.

Send us your requests.

The Rosies Wynnum Manly branch now also outreaches on Monday morning at St Peter’s Anglican Church where those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can receive food vouchers. Rosies is present to share a cuppa, bite to eat, and a chat. We also offer hygiene items to over thirty firends on the street each time. Rosies is gradually becoming known in the Wynnum Manly area, to those who need us most.

toowoomba-bbq_trailerIt was with great excitement that the Toowoomba branch unveiled its newest acquisition, a barbecue trailer to use at Outreaches. Our friends on the street are very happy with the faster, more efficient cooking, and the reduced waiting time is appreciated in the chilly Toowoomba weather. The barbecue trailer was skillfully customised by David, husband of volunteer, Annette. This has become a great addition to the “team” and Rosies is grateful to have this wonderful asset to improve service to the disadvantaged in Toowoomba. Thanks to the Department of Justice & Attorney General for providing funds.

Our friends at Chilli Jam Café recently traded goods for coffee. Donations, in return for a coffee, were collected over the week long operation to support Rosies Sunshine Coast branch. The generosity of the community went above and beyond all expectations. The Mantra Mooloolaba Beach team also kindly collected hygiene items to support our many friends on the street. Plus the Caloundra District Indoor Bowls Club nominated their local Rosies branch for their charity day on October 30. Thank you everyone! This year, Christmas on the Street will take place on Friday 23, December from 6.00pm.

street-barber-webAsmir is a barber by trade and a ‘street barber’ by heart in Logan. He kindly and generously offers his time and talent to our many friends on the street. A clean cut is one of the ‘little’ things that makes a world of difference for those who often miss out on what most of us take for granted. Asmir, like many volunteers, and community services, gives his time and gift – in return for a smile – to those in need in the community with Rosies.

We were astonished to receive a generous donation in the mail by one of our friends Sue. Sue had just celebrated her eightieth birthday. Rather than asking for presents for herself she asked her family and friends to make a donation to Rosies Ipswich branch. What a beautiful heart. Her inspiring idea drove much admiration among her companions who generously gave to support their local community. Thank you Sue, friends and family members alike for offering to those less fortunate an early Christmas. You are all wonderful. And Happy Birthday Sue!

Our team on the Gold Coast have clearly noticed an increase in the number of homeless people especially in the last two years. Homelessness can be driven by drugs, alcohol, the lack of affordable housing, mental health issues… “It’s just a huge problem’’, Rosies Gold Coast branch coordinator Wendy recently declared at a number of key events. We are very thankful for the support we receive from the community including local partners such as LJ Hooker who nominated Rosies for the second consecutive year at their Gold Coast Turf Club’s Stakes Day. Thank you!

Handmade items made by the employment agency Workways’ ‘Work for the Dole’ clients were handed over to our Rosies Cairns coordinator, Lyall. This is an amazing example of a great synergy between individuals and organisations. The satisfaction in giving back to the community thrilled many of those who made the items and learned new skills at the same time. Everything has been well used and distributed to our many friends on the street in Far North Queensland.