At 61 years old, Ipswich local Julie Powell is about to take on one of Australia’s toughest and most breathtaking hiking adventures, the 233-kilometre Larapinta Trail in Central Australia, all while raising funds for Rosies – Friends on the Street.
From 7–20 June, Julie will spend 14 days walking through the rugged landscape surrounding Alice Springs, sleeping in a swag under the stars and tackling a Grade 5–6 hike alongside a small group of fellow adventurers.
But for Julie, this challenge is about much more than crossing something off her bucket list.
“It’s always been a dream of mine,” Julie said. “I lived and worked in Alice Springs about 16 years ago and remember visiting some of the gorges along the Larapinta Trail. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to walk it.”
“One night I was lying in bed thinking, ‘I’m 61 years old — if I don’t do this soon, I might never do it.’ So, I booked it at midnight and started training the very next day.”
The Larapinta Trail runs along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Red Centre, a place renowned for its “raw beauty” and deeply embedded in the heritage of the Arrernte people.
For Julie, walking across this sacred land feels profoundly personal and spiritual, but she also wanted the experience to have a greater purpose.
After speaking with her daughter Kirsty, a Rosies volunteer at Rosies’ Ipswich branch, she realised the walk could also help make a difference for others.
“Kirsty said to choose an organisation close to my heart, and homelessness has always been something I’ve felt passionate about,” Julie said. “That’s why I chose Rosies.”
Julie hopes to raise $1,500 through her fundraiser and plans to share updates from training and along the trail whenever phone reception allows.
While the hike will be physically demanding, Julie says it’s the people Rosies supports who will keep her motivated each day.
“All I have to do is think about the people who are doing it much tougher than me,” she said. “I’m doing this for two weeks, but there are people living rough every single day, just putting one foot in front of the other. That thought will help me keep going.”
The challenge has certainly captured the attention of her family.
Her daughter Kirsty was both supportive and slightly nervous when Julie first announced the plan.
“She told me, ‘It’s no walk in the park!’” Julie laughed. “But she also encouraged me. She said, ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’”
Julie’s son Shannon was initially concerned too, but he has been incredibly supportive of Julie taking on the challenge.
“Shannon believes my determination to do this is strong,” Julie said. “As he says, ‘the mind is very powerful.’”
With help from his wife Amanda, an experienced hiker, the family quickly rallied behind Julie. Amanda has been helping her prepare hiking gear and sharing advice ahead of the trek.
Julie says the encouragement from her family and friends has played a huge part in keeping her motivated throughout her training journey.
Julie says her daughter Kirsty continues to inspire her every day.
“She works two jobs, has two young kids, and still never misses her Rosies shift,” Julie said. “She’s such a goer.”
As she prepares to tackle an average of 20 kilometres a day across rugged terrain, Julie says the experience will be as much mental as physical.
“I think it’s important to push yourself outside your comfort zone,” she said. “Sometimes it’s mind over matter.”
With every step across the Larapinta Trail this June, Julie will be walking in support of people doing it tough — and showing that determination, compassion and courage can go a long way.
To support Julie’s fundraiser for Rosies, https://bit.ly/49bMSkV
Photo by: The Community Leader
Staying warm is something many of us barely think about, but for some in our community, winter brings real hardship – especially once the evening chill sets in.
Rosies is inviting locals to donate blankets, warm clothing, and other winter essentials to help make the colder months safer and more comfortable for people doing it tough. Even a single warm item can make a meaningful difference to someone facing the night without enough protection from the cold.
The Wynnum Manly Rosies branch has around 140 amazing volunteers who support more than 200 people each week through their outreach services. Their kindness has changed lives, offered hope, and provided connection to those who need it most. You can find out more about how to get involved on page 3.
A huge thank you to everyone who volunteers in our community – you really do make a difference,
and we look forward to sharing more of your stories in upcoming editions.
This week, leading up to Easter, is a time for us to pause and reflect on the power of love and the strength of living hope. This is a rollercoaster week, with highs and lows and lots of emotion. For many people, this week will be filled with family gatherings, easter egg hunts and hopefully some well-earned down-time. For many people, this week will be filled with a variety of ancient customs and religious observances. And for us at Rosies, this week is a time to be renewed in our faith and commitment to our mission, of bringing love, compassion and dignity to our friends on the streets.
Many of us, this week, will witness once again the immense love of Jesus as he makes his journey to the cross and offers up his life for the world. At Rosies, we are called to see the face of Christ every day in those who suffer, who put up with pain, rejection, isolation, and abandonment. Like those who journeyed with Jesus, we journey alongside our patrons. We carry their crosses with them, we wipe their brows of the dirt and sweat of the streets, we stand with them in pain and loneliness and we carry them into a new day of hope.
As the sunrise awakens us on Sunday morning, I pray that you all are filled with a renewed sense of hope and that Easter for you, in whichever way you choose to celebrate it, is a day that is filled with love. Hold in your hearts this Easter the profound love that God has for you, that he willing gave up his own life for you, and share this unconditional love with our patrons so that every act of compassion we share on outreach is a quiet moment of resurrection in the lives of our friends on the streets.
Rosies – Friends on the Street is proud to announce the launch of a new outreach service in the Redlands region, with its first outreach taking place on Tuesday 31 March at 5 Middle Street, Cleveland, from 6:45pm to 8:30pm.
This expansion marks an important step in supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and social isolation in the Redlands community, where housing stress and homelessness continue to be significant concerns.
Rosies – Friends on the Street is a Queensland-based organisation dedicated to providing companionship, support, and essential items to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Through regular outreach services, Rosies volunteers offer a welcoming presence, a listening ear, and practical assistance such as food, drinks, and basic necessities helping to restore dignity and human connection.
The new Redlands outreach has been made possible through the generous support of Ostelin, who are funding the initiative, and Sheldon College, who have provided Rosies with a local hub at their school to support operations.
Sarah Pothecary, Zone Brand Lead for Ostelin is proud to further their connection with Rosies and support vulnerable women in the Redlands community.
“Ostelin is proud to deepen our partnership with Rosies, standing alongside women in our communities who are doing it tough and helping to provide connection, dignity and hope. Rosies’ outreach aligns strongly with our purpose — supporting women to feel more connected and empowered to build strength in their everyday lives. Expanding our collaboration into this new outreach enables us to extend meaningful support where it’s needed most. We believe in the impact Rosies delivers, and we’re excited to amplify that together.”
Lissa Gyte Deputy Principal of Sheldon College sees the relationship with Rosies as a way for young people to engage meaningfully with others.
“Hosting Rosies reflects our belief that in an interconnected world, the skills and mindsets needed to navigate global complexities can be developed locally. Through service learning and community engagement, our students build the awareness, empathy and sense of responsibility required to engage meaningfully with others. At Sheldon College, we see service as more than an experience – it is a pathway to advocacy. By supporting our community, students are empowered to transform understanding into action, cultivating
not only capable learners, but compassionate leaders committed to making a positive difference.”
Rosies CEO Jayne Shallcross said the new outreach responds to a clear and growing need in the region.
“While the Redlands is often seen as a thriving coastal community, the reality is that homelessness and housing insecurity are present here, as they are across Queensland,” Ms Shallcross said.
“Every person deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. This new outreach is an exciting and important opportunity to extend Rosies’ mission into the Redlands offering connection, compassion, and practical support to those doing it tough.”
Rosies outreach services are unique in their focus on building genuine relationships. Volunteers sit and chat with guests, fostering trust and connection often the first step toward accessing further support services.
Get Involved
Rosies is calling on the Redlands community to get involved in supporting this new outreach. There are several ways to help:
Volunteer: Join a team of compassionate volunteers making a direct impact in the community.
Donate: Financial contributions help sustain outreach services
Provide essential items: Donations of items such as instant cup noodles, biscuits, muesli bars, instant coffee, and long life milk are always needed To learn more or get involved, visit: www.rosies.org.au
$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.
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.”
The National Oblate Youth Encounter brings together young people from across Australia to deepen their faith, reflect on service, and explore what it means to live out dignity and compassion in everyday life. In this reflection, Rosies volunteer Matthew Perissinotto shares his experience of NOYE and how it strengthened his understanding of the Rosies mission, reaffirmed the power of simple human connection, and deepened his appreciation of our ongoing relationship with the Oblates.
“Your love can be someone’s transformation. A simple hello, a simple greeting, can change someone’s life”. These words from one of the speakers at the National Oblate Youth Encounter (NOYE) summarize both the mission of Rosies and the lesson I learnt over this 4-day camp.
Going into NOYE was a bit daunting – I didn’t know anyone, or really what to expect. I had come on the recommendation of Fr Josh, the Rosies Chaplain, without a lot of information and I went into it with an open heart. What I found was a 4-day experience of prayer, talks, and workshops themed around ‘The Road – Humanity, Christianity, Holiness’. Through these activities, we learnt about the importance of humanity dignity as a basis for Christian life and ultimately holiness, and the importance of affirming that dignity through simple acts of human kindness. Seeing this laid out so clearly helped me understand the importance of what we do at Rosies. The small encounters I’ve engaged in so regularly – passing over a cup of coffee or a conversation over cordial and biscuits – are a way of practically living my values and affirming to the person in front of me, ‘you matter, you are loved, you are created in God’s image and likeness’. It definitely made me want to be more involved in Rosies.
Meeting other young people committed to this mission was a rejuvenating experience in a world that can be characterized by apathy and disconnection. Coming away from the event, I have new friends, and a renewed energy to participate in Rosie’s mission to the margins of society. I would definitely recommend that other people participate in NOYE in the future, and I am so grateful for this experience.
