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Her Trading Lounge Partners with Rosies to Support Caloundra’s Most Vulnerable

$65,000 commitment from local founder Mel Read to support those doing it tough in the Caloundra community 

Rosies – Friends on the Street is proud to announce a new partnership with Her Trading Lounge, founded by Woombye local Mel Read, who has committed $65,000 to support people experiencing homelessness and hardship in the local community. 

The generous contribution will directly strengthen Rosies’ outreach services in Caloundra, helping provide essential items, practical assistance and most importantly genuine human connection to individuals and families doing it tough. 

Her Trading Lounge is a thriving online trading community founded by Mel Read, dedicated to empowering women through financial education and trading confidence. Built on connection, courage and community, Her Trading Lounge has grown into a powerful network of women supporting each other to create financial independence and long-term change. 

While the two organisations operate in different spaces, their ethos is closely aligned. Both Her Trading Lounge and Rosies are grounded in the belief that every person deserves dignity, opportunity and the support of a strong community. Where Her Trading Lounge empowers women to build financial security and confidence, Rosies walks alongside those experiencing vulnerability, offering friendship, respect and practical support. At their heart, both organisations are committed to creating pathways to hope and lasting change. 

Her Trading Lounge, Founder Mel Read and Sunshine Coast Branch Coordinator Carolyn Wilson at the Rosies hub in Caloundra

For Mel, the partnership is deeply personal.  “I’ve always believed strong communities are built when people look out for one another. Living locally, I see how many people are doing it tough right now, and organisations like Rosies are on the front line every day offering kindness, dignity and real support. 

This contribution is only possible because of the incredible women inside Her Trading Lounge who are learning a new skill and working towards financial independence. In the process of helping themselves build better futures, they are also helping us give back to the community around us. 

Being able to support Rosies in Caloundra means a lot to me personally, and I’m proud that the women in our community are part of creating something that not only changes their own lives, but also helps others who need support” she said. 

Rosies – Friends on the Street has been serving vulnerable Queenslanders for more than 35 years, providing outreach services, friendship and material support to people experiencing homelessness, isolation and disadvantage. The Caloundra branch is powered by dedicated volunteers who conduct regular outreach and build trusted relationships with those in need. 

Rosies CEO Jayne Shallcross said the partnership reflects the power of shared values and local leadership. “We are so grateful for Mel and the community she has built at Her Trading Lounge, their commitment enables our volunteers to be a reliable and consistent presence for people in need in Caloundra. It allows our patrons to experience genuine friendship and belonging and reminds them that their community is invested in their wellbeing,” she said. 

The $65,000 commitment comes at a critical time, as cost-of-living pressures continue to increase demand for support across the Sunshine Coast region. 

Caloundra Branch Coordinator Carolyn Wilson said the funding would make a tangible difference on the ground. “This amount of support will be transformational for our branch. I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Mel and her community, and I can’t wait to share the good news with our volunteers,” she said. 

This partnership highlights the extraordinary impact that can be achieved when local businesses and community leaders invest back into their own communities — strengthening connection, restoring dignity and ensuring that no one is left to face hardship alone. 

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Partnership brings community together to support people doing it tough in Southport

A new partnership between Rosies – Friends on the Street, the Southport Masonic Lodge and Hand Heart Pocket, the Charity of Freemasons Queensland, is helping strengthen support for people experiencing homelessness and hardship on the Gold Coast. 

Members of the Southport Masonic Lodge have recently begun volunteering alongside Rosies’ outreach team at Baden Powell Park in Southport, joining the fortnightly street outreach to provide friendship, conversation and practical support to people doing it tough. 

The partnership has also been supported by a $15,000 donation from Hand Heart Pocket, recognising the commitment of Southport Lodge members and helping Rosies continue its vital outreach services across the Gold Coast. 

Rosies CEO Jayne Shallcross said the collaboration reflects the power of community organisations working together to support vulnerable people. 

“Rosies is built on the simple idea that everyone deserves friendship and belonging,” Ms Shallcross said. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to the members of the Southport Masonic Lodge who have stepped up to join our outreach teams and to Hand Heart Pocket for their generous support of this partnership. Together, we are helping create a more compassionate community for people facing hardship.” 

Members of the Southport Lodge have been attending the Baden Powell Park outreach fortnightly, assisting Rosies volunteers to serve refreshments and, most importantly, spend time connecting with patrons. 

Representatives from Rosies – Friends on the Street, Southport Masonic Lodge and Hand Heart Pocket at Rosies Head Office in Murarrie.
L to R: Roslynn Black (Hand Heart Pocket), Jayne Shallcross, Mick McCluskey & Rosie (Southport Masonic Lodge), and Lacee Hennessy Overton

Southport Masonic Lodge representative Mick McCluskey said the experience has been meaningful for members involved. 

“Being part of Rosies outreach has been incredibly rewarding for our members,” Mr McCluskey said. 

“It’s about showing respect, building genuine connections and letting people know they are not alone.” 

Manager Social Impact Partnerships Hand Heart Pocket Roslynn Black said the foundation was proud to support the local community partnership and the impact it is having locally. 

“Hand Heart Pocket exists to help people in need across Queensland,” Ms Black said. 

“The work Rosies volunteers do every week on the streets is extraordinary, and we are pleased to support both Rosies and the Southport Masonic Lodge as they come together to help people experiencing homelessness and social isolation.” 

Ms Shallcross said partnerships like this play an important role in sustaining frontline services. 

“This partnership demonstrates how local organisations can work together to create meaningful change,” she said. 

“The support from Hand Heart Pocket and the commitment of the Southport Masonic Lodge will help ensure Rosies can continue providing a safe space for friendship and connection for those who need it most.” 

 

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