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.”
