Not everyone comes to Rosies for food – some other things are far more important as Julie Andersen found out.  

Mrs Andersen, who’s family business All State Line Marking is a new corporate partner of Rosies, volunteered last month at a Logan outreach with her husband Allan and two others.  

“It was an unusually quiet night and not too cold. There was a gentleman that refused food as his stomach hurt. I managed to get him to accept a cup of tea and a beanie,” she said.  

“We also found him some socks to keep his feet warm. The visiting doctor arrived and spent time talking to him. A pastor drove to the pharmacy and personally purchased some medication for him.  

“That man left with a smile on his face. Not everyone comes to Rosies for food. Kindness, support and sometimes just someone to talk to can be far more nourishing.”  

All State Line Marking was born after Mr and Mrs Andersen moved to Queensland from Sydney with their two young daughters. Mr Andersen was working in the building industry at the time but wasn’t enjoying the labouring, and as he’d worked in line marking before, Mrs Andersen registered All State Line Marking as a surprise and suggested he buy a machine and start his own business.  

They started out in their three-car garage in Jimboomba and a spare room, but are now based Ormeau.  

Mr Andersen was on the tools for the first 10 years, but as he managed to hire other experienced workers or train up quality employees, he was able to step back a bit and concentrate on growing the business.  

The couple were inspired to reach out to Rosies by their business partner Jimmy Lei who founded Starfish Malaysia Foundation with his wife.  

“They provide and run hostels to house and feed a couple hundred children across five hostel locations close to schools,” Mrs Andersen said.  

“These children would otherwise live too far away to get schooling. We’ve sponsored children within that foundation and it was his suggestion we also give to our own community.”  

So they got their heads together and worked out what they could do closer to home. Rosies struck a chord with them.  

“We’ve seen the great work the people at Rosies do. It’s all about helping another human being in whatever way they can,” Mrs Andersen said.  

She said luckily the businesses didn’t have to let go of any staff during the pandemic – in fact, they actually increased their team.  

But she said she knew not everyone had been as fortunate as them and it inspired the family to help Rosies.  

“We feel Rosie represents seeing the unseen in our society,” Mrs Andersen said.  

“The person on the park bench or sitting in a bush shelter. Recognising everybody’s self worth no matter what that is. We’ve met people that were helped by Rosies and now in the position to give back. It would be a privilege to be able to give back. 

“The volunteers work very hard and we really admire them. All State Line Marking is proud to have our name associated with such a wonderful charity as Rosies.” 

Mrs Andersen said the business was in the unique position where they had access to many companies classed as essential, as there was an increase in road work contracts due to the government stimulating the economy.  

As well as personally volunteering at outreaches, the Andersen family ask these companies they work with to pay it forward.  

“We’ve had a great response,” Mrs Andersen said.  

“Companies like Potters Industries, Crystalite Design, APCO Paints and Traffquip have purchased pallets of noodles. Our staff are building Christmas hampers from their families to donate in December.  

“All Car Engine Reconditioning have offered to service Rosies vehicles at no cost. We’ve covered fuel costs. On Track Auto Electric have volunteered to do any electrical works.  

“Allan reaches out to our clients whenever he sees an opportunity to provide more items or services to Rosies.”  

Mrs Andersen said none of the businesses needed encouraging.  

“We didn’t need to. When Allan approached them to supply goods and services, there were many that asked how they could also help in person. Generosity takes on many forms and our staff and clients are exceptional,” she said.