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More than just a hair cut

Going to the hairdresser always leaves you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world, but many of us take the service for granted.

For some, especially those living on the street or in other forms of accommodation, getting a haircut is right out of their price range.But, thanks to local Brisbane hairstylist Stacey Bedrick, Rosies Friends of the Street patrons are able to enjoy that salon experience for free. She heads down to meet the Rosies crew at the Churches of Christ Pantry Assist Program in Annerley every six weeks and for two hours, spends time cutting hair and speaking to the patrons. For the past two years, she’s worked with Hair Aid, which is how she became involved with Rosies.“I was drawn to (charity work) because I’ve got the time and the skill and I thought I can do this,” she said. “I love meeting all the patrons that come here and have a chat with them.”

One of Stacey’s regular guests, Andrew, said the free haircuts went a long way in his predicament.“ It’s great when you get someone who does a really good job like Stacey. I’ve been in this hardship for nine years and when you do something like get a haircut it’s emotional and psychological, it’s not just a haircut. There’s practical things I need it for like appearance -when I talk to Stacey and we discuss style, it’s about trying to land a job and that’s damn hard.”

Valma is another guest who had her hair cut by Stacey during her visit to the pantry assist. “I’ve been meaning get it done for a couple of months,” she said. “It’s very hard for me to get out and about and the way that things have been I just go to about four different places and I don’t travel around too much. (When it gets hard) one of the things you forget about is your hair.“ I used to trim mine myself, but I have arthritis and I can’t lift my arm up to cut it anymore so it’s just been left. But it will be looking good after Stacey’s done with it!”

Lenny said Stacey was the most important person he’d come to see when he arrived at outreach. “I didn’t have a haircut for a whole year last year because it’s expensive and I’ve got bills to pay,” he said.

It was the pantry assist program that initially brought Rita to the Rosies van, but she also had her hair done. “I usually cut it myself because I had a perm but I am happy with the way that Stacey cuts my hair,” she said. Rita said she also enjoyed the community feel of outreach. “I’m happy to keep coming back, the people are very friendly and the social interaction is good.”

It is through partnering with organisations like Hair Aid that we can connect our patrons with additional services that can improve their self-esteem, health, and wellbeing.

 

By Kate Schmidt

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Loved Queensland Mission Outreach appoints new CEO

The Oblates of Mary Immaculate and Rosies’ Board have announced the appointment of Ms Jayne Shallcross as the new Chief Executive Officer of Rosies.

Acting Rosies Chair Fr Michael Twigg OMI said Ms Shallcross’ appointment followed a thorough and independent process featuring “a high-quality field of candidates who wished to join our mission”.

“At all times, the care and support of the entire Rosies community; patrons, volunteers, team leaders, branch coordinators, staff, donors and supporters has been at the front of our minds and hearts.”

“We’re very pleased to announce Jayne’s appointment. She brings significant experience and proven skills, and a loving heart into this role as we continue to build upon the work of Rosies over more than three decades,” Fr Michael said.

“Jayne is a former Rosies’ Board member so she brings great insights to this position. Jayne was chosen for her passionate and deep spiritual connection with the Oblate Charism, our Catholic community and Rosies’ mission.”

Ms Shallcross is an experienced senior executive who is passionate about making an impact in the areas of homelessness and social isolation, particularly in this challenging time of COVID-19. Jayne has a strong record in leadership, strategic development and operational management with significant experience in corporate and not-for-profit sectors (nationally and internationally). Jayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Masters’ of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor in Business Administration (Finance and Economics). Jayne is also Acting Chair, Chair of the Risk Committee and member of the Finance Committee at Duchesne College (UQ).

Ms Shallcross replaces Rosies’ General Manager, Deacon Andrew O’Brien, who accepted a role as Director with the Archdiocese of Brisbane, working with our Archbishop Mark Coleridge. To support Rosies’ during a transitional time, the Board appointed an Acting Chief Executive Officer to maintain the leadership of Rosies’ operations whilst the Oblates and Board reviewed the strategic focus of the General Manager role.

During this time the Oblates and Board also reviewed their strategic plan with a reignited focus on their vision to expand Rosies’ community reach and mission. This resulted in the General Manager role being restructured into a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role. This new CEO role is the result of consultation, research and communication with the Rosies’ community. The new CEO role will work closely with the Oblates and Board to:

  • align the community to the mission, faith values and purpose;
  • build commercial capability to ensure future sustainability of the organisation; and
  • continually drive operational efficiency and engagement with staff, volunteers and patrons.

“We wish Jayne well in further building on Rosies’ strong foundations of people and community sharing the Oblate spirit of daring and of being true friends to those in need,” Fr Michael said.

“We have been guided by our vision, with a purpose to provide ongoing and meaningful leadership connection with the Oblates and community well into the next phase of the Rosies’ mission. We thank all who support the Rosies vision and mission. We appreciate all the time and effort that our community takes in making Rosies such an important and wonderful charity during such challenging times.”
To celebrate this new chapter in the Rosies journey, you are invited to pray the Rosies Prayer with us.

O Jesus,
Make our hearts so human,
That others may feel at home with us,

So like Yours,
That others may feel at home with you,

So forgetful of self
that we might simply become the place
where You and they meet

In the power of Your Love and the joy of
Your friendship.

Amen
Fr Michael Twigg

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Christmas illustrates what Rosies is all about

Rosies on the Sunshine Coast was excited to be this year’s charity of choice of the amazing Mooloolaba Yacht Club’s Christmas Parade. Hundreds of people came to the Sunshine Coast to assist in a beautiful parade. Some of our volunteers wore their red shirts and walk among the masses to welcome people. They also had donation tins for those who wished to make a donation and support the local Rosies branch. The event was a great success and brought a smile to people’s faces.

 Woolworths at Mayfair Village on Manly nominated Rosies as charity of choice for their community day. Staff members wore the Rosies uniform and customers were encouraged to purchase some much needed outreach supplies for the Rosies Bayside branch.

Our Logan branch partnered with Harmony on Carmody Café to offer a Christmas meal at the venue to as many of our friends on the street as possible. Patrons at the café were invited to buy a bauble to be hung on the shop’s Christmas tree. Baubles were handed out by Rosies Logan Central to our friends who could then trade it for a meal at the café. No less than 40 people enjoyed a Christmas dinner.  

Other organisations led some very much appreciated outreach supplies drive. Marvellous Mature Women in Logan collected 90 hygiene packs, while the Hilton Brisbane and Novotel at Surfers Paradise donated toiletries to their respective branches. Max employment and the Potts family organised their respective Christmas drive for Rosies.

We would simply not be able to do what we do without the support of our local communities. Without you we could not organise our Christmas on the Street celebration for instance.

Our Christmas on the street series kicked off in our new Brisbane North branch. Students from Padua College brought some beautiful hampers to be handed out to our patrons. About 350 people joined our annual Christmas Party in Southport. Rosies celebrated Christmas with our patrons throughout our thirteen branches.  

 

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Branch Coordinator – Cairns | Commences December 2018

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Rosies Branch Coordinator – Cairns (PDF)

SERVICE STREAMBranch Coordinator
LOCATIONCairns
CLASSIFICATIONNegotiated Salary
TERM12 months with possibility of extension
HOURS OF WORK18 per week including night work plus a level of voluntary contribution
REPORTS TOGeneral Manager

 

Our Purpose and VALUES
Rosies is a community of people sharing the Oblate spirit of daring. Inspired by the Gospel, Rosies reaches out to those most abandoned, to be present with them, offering them experiences of community and belonging.

Rosies vision is to reach those who are most abandoned in our society to offer a time of presence and connection with others through:

•           Street Outreach;

•           Drug and Children’s Court support;

•           Youth Detention Centre Visitation;

•           Prison Visitation

 

POSITION PURPOSE
To ensure delivery of Rosies mission and volunteer safety in Cairns.

 

KEY PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1.   Mission, Vision and Values·       Contribute to the development of an organisational culture that is consistent with the philosophy and values of Rosies.

·       Work ethically and model Gospel and Rosies values through your personal leadership.

2.   Key Duties·       Be the face of Rosies within the Cairns community

·       Maintain and develop partnerships within the Cairns community

·       Lead a Coordinating Team to ensure the various branch responsibilities (see 3 below) are carried out

·       Liaise with State Coordinator regarding training, rosters, volunteer numbers and supplies

·       Liaise with GM and State Coordinator when considering branch growth

·       Liaise with Team Leaders and State Coordinator following a reported incident

·       Manage and maintain the branch resources

·       Manage required documentation in a prompt manner

3.   Branch responsibilities·        Supplies and logistics

·       Team liaison

·       Outreach mentoring and monitoring

·       Training

·       Vehicle management

·       Public Relations

·       School liaison

·       Parish liaison

·       Financial recording

·       Events management

4.   Workplace Health & Safety·        Oversee branch adherence to safe work practices at all times.

·        Model safe work practices and ensure appropriate reporting

5.   Other Duties·        Participate in relevant forums and training programs.

·        Work as an effective team member in accordance with Rosies mission, purpose and values.

·        Other activities as directed.

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Required to haveBeneficial to have
·        Commitment to the Rosies mission and values

·       Team leadership experience

·       Strong communication skills both written and verbal

·       Organisational skills

·       Community engagement skills

·       Demonstrated basic ability to use computer IT systems including email and MS Word.

·       Queensland ‘C’ class Licence.

·       Ability to obtain positive notice in the legislatively required personal history check in line with compliance requirements

·       Significant experience as a Rosies volunteer

·       Thorough understanding of Rosies vision, mission, and guiding principles

·       Thorough knowledge of Rosies policies and practices

·       Member of a faith community

 

Contact Head Office for more details.  Closing date: Monday 19 November 2018

[contact-form to=’[email protected]’ subject=’Enquiry from Rosies Website’][contact-field label=’Your name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Your email address’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Your message’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

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Anti-Poverty week and Mental Health Week

In October we farewelled our long standing Chaplain Father John David OMI. He received a new appointment from the Oblate Provincial and took up his new ministry in Adelaide. Father John David has been Rosies Chaplain for three and half years. During that time he spent countless hours on the street sharing friendship with both our patrons and our volunteers. He will be very much missed.

There were a couple of events this month. Rosies Logan went to the local Homeless Connect. Meanwhile our Wynnum Manly branch took part in Wynnum Connect as part of the Anti-Poverty week. It was a great opportunity to catch up with some familiar faces. The event was a huge success with many service providers joining us at the event. On the Sunshine Coast, the team visited Caloundra State High School during Mental Health Week to raise awareness about the issue.

This month we deepen our involvement with the local communities in Beenleigh and Brisbane. Rosies Beenleigh started to support the local Uniting Church’s lunch for those less fortunate. The lunch takes place once a month and is very popular with our patrons. In Brisbane, the Rosies Yeronga Catholic Parish team enjoyed their first outreach making new friends at Brigadoon Boarding House on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone is looking forward to many more to come.

Once again, we thank our many supporters without whom our work would simply not be possible. The Wellington Manor dipped deep at their annual soup kitchen and fundraising event to support the organisation. The retirement village also regularly supports us with supplies for our friends on the street.

Inspired by recent young heroes, little stars sisters Ava-May and Neve collected three huge bags of hygiene items for our Brisbane branch. Their donation completed the ones received this month from St Therese Catholic Parish and School in Cairns and the Molloy House at St Columban College, in Caboolture.

On the Gold Coast, students from St Michael’s College come every Monday to give us a hand at the drop in centre. ‘My experience at Rosies was an eye-opener and it made me realise that we all have a part to play’, shares Hannah, one of the students involved in the program.
Although too young to outreach with us on the street, year 7s and 8s from San Sisto College in Brisbane have been coming to clean the branch’s outreach room and vans once a month for almost a year. It makes a huge difference to our teams in Brisbane.

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Chaplain – Formation | Commences January 2019

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Rosies Chaplain Formation (PDF)

SERVICE STREAMChaplaincy, Formation
LOCATIONWynnum (base) outreach to across Queensland
CLASSIFICATIONNegotiated Salary
TERM12 months with possibility of extension
HOURS OF WORK20 per week with majority between 5-10pm
REPORTS TOGeneral Manager

 

Our Purpose and VALUES
Rosies is a community of people sharing the Oblate spirit of daring. Inspired by the Gospel, Rosies reaches out to those most abandoned, to be present with them, offering them experiences of community and belonging.

Rosies vision is to reach those who are most abandoned in our society is to offer a time of presence and connection with others through:

•           Street Outreach;

•           Drug and Children’s Court support;

•           Youth Detention Centre Visitation;

•           Prison Visitation

 

POSITION PURPOSE
To promote and model the Mission and Values of Rosies within the outreach teams.

To promote a person-centred practice and faith-inspired environment responding to and respecting the human and spiritual needs of staff, volunteers and patrons.

To assist in the implementation of initiatives such as parish-based outreaches and branch-based chaplaincy.

To work collaboratively with the Oblate Chaplain and the General Manager to create an effective chaplaincy team.

 

KEY PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1.   Mission, Vision and Values·       Execute the duties and functions of the role aligned with the Gospel and Catholic traditions as well as the mission, ethos, and values of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

·       Contribute to the development of an organisational culture that is consistent with the philosophy and values of Rosies.

·       Work ethically and model Gospel and Rosies values through your personal leadership framework.

2.   Role outline·       This is an accompanying role and does not have a compliance focus

·       Develop relationships with teams especially Team Leaders

·       Learn ‘Rosies’ especially from identified exemplar teams

·       Develop an understanding of the cultures that exist across teams

·       Attend 3 outreaches per week (on average) with a tactical selection of branches and teams

·       Develop strategies to enhance engagement of volunteer teams with Rosies Christian spirit and Oblate charism

·       Identify a network of branch level chaplains to assist in assessment of distributed Chaplaincy resources

·       Contribute to communication activities such as reflections for volunteers, networking and guest speaker engagements promoting Rosies.

·       Report identified issues at an individual or team level which may require suitable staff/volunteer support responses.

·       Participate in maintaining a workplace culture within Rosies, which respects human dignity, provides equality of opportunity, addresses the needs of the poor and disadvantaged, and protects human rights.

3.   Leadership·        Demonstrate understanding of, and personal commitment to the mission, vision and values of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, to a Christian spirituality and in the spirit of St Eugene de Mazenod and to an appreciation of Rosies as a missionary activity.

·        Model a leadership style which promotes a person-centred practice throughout the service ensuring a whole-of-person and faith-inspired environment reflecting Rosies mission and core values.

·        Support the formation of volunteers, in line with organisational procedures.

4.   Documentation, Quality Systems & Continuous Improvement·        Create, store and archive documentation in line with legislative requirements.

·        Identify improvements to policy, procedures, work instructions, other organisational systems and the work environment to ensure Gospel values and principles of Catholic teaching are reflected appropriately.

·        Participate in the development, implementation and review of relevant Rosies policy, procedures and other documentation, as required.

·        Work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to prepare, undertake and maintain external requirements, as necessary.

 

5.   Workplace Health & Safety·        Adhere to safe work practices at all times.
6.   Other Duties·        Participate in staff development and team meetings.

·        Work as an effective team member in accordance with Rosies mission, purpose and values.

·        Engage in reflective practice and participate in meaningfully regular professional supervision sessions.

·        Other activities as directed.

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Required to haveBeneficial to have
·       Relevant qualifications in Pastoral Care, Theology and/or Spirituality and/or Counselling.

·       Demonstrated commitment to, knowledge and understanding of the principles of Catholic teaching, tradition and ecumenism.

·       Demonstrated knowledge and experience in providing pastoral care and/or volunteer services within a Christian perspective.

·       Team leadership experience.

·       Demonstrated intermediate ability to use computer IT systems including MS Word and Excel.

·       Queensland Provisional Green or above Driver Licence.

·       Ability to obtain positive notice in the legislatively required personal history check in line with compliance requirements.

·        Previous experience in a similar role, either in Christian ministry environment.

 

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
1.    Demonstrated ability to accompany small teams with human and spiritual guidance tailored to the needs of the person and ensure persons are treated with respect and empathy.
2.    Demonstrated ability to apply and integrate in real practical ways appropriate Catholic teaching, Gospel values, the charism of Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and the vision of Rosies.
3.    Experience in pastoral care and volunteer support that focuses on supporting those who are assisting the most abandoned in our society.
4.    Proficient communication and interpersonal skills to engage on a personal level providing comfort and confidence, as well as the ability to build relationships across an organisation to assist in the provision of support for staff and volunteers.
5.    Demonstrated understanding of the emotional and spiritual needs of people at different ages and stages of life, and special attention to those working with the poor and vulnerable.
6.    Demonstrated commitment to a community of faith.

Contact Head Office for more details.  Closing date: Thursday 22 November 2018

[contact-form to=’[email protected]’ subject=’Enquiry from Rosies Website’][contact-field label=’Your name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Your email address’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Your message’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

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Farewell to our Chaplain

Our long standing Chaplain Father John David OMI has received a new appointment from the Oblate Provincial. He is on his way to take up his new ministry in Adelaide. Father John David has been Rosies Chaplain for 3 1⁄2 years and in that time has spent countless hours on the street sharing friendship with both our patrons and our volunteers. We wish Father well in his new role.

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Young heroes to the rescue

A recent study reveals  that women over 55 years are increasingly at risk of becoming homeless in Australia.* The need for hygiene items is high. All of our branches are running short of plastic roll-on deodorants.  Rosies has been calling the community to come to the rescue.

Many heard our calls. We received support from young heroes such as Jaylan in Toowoomba and the Magnificent Year 7 in Cairns. Pupils and their teachers made up over 70 hygiene packs to support their local Rosies branch. Meanwhile, St Mary’s Catholic College Senior Students planned and collected many cuppa noodles and blankets for our friends on the street in Far North Queensland.

On the Gold Coast, our friends from Bikers Making a Difference came to support the branch by donating more toiletry items and blankets. Despite all those fabulous efforts we are struggling to meet the demand and are still in much need of more hygiene items.

*Women over 55 years are now the fastest growing homeless people in Australia, The Financial Review, August 20 2018

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Shoeshine Brian: how a person in Sydney inspired a blanket drive in Ipswich

Leonie from St Andrew’s Hospital Ipswich organised a blanket drive for her local Rosies branch named after ‘Shoeshine Brian’, a homeless person she met and sat with in Sydney a couple of years ago.  Brian refused to beg, instead he would polish shoes and share stories with his customers. Leonie sat with Brian for a while. He touched  her soul and inspired her to write the poem below, in his memory. Brian passed away last year.

The blanket drive named after Brian was a huge success and brought many donations to our friends on the street in Ipswich. Thank you Leonie and the community at St Andrew’s Ipswich Hospital.

~ Brian ~ 31/05/15

Hey, I’m Brian…do you see me?
I’ll shine your shoes for you,
I’ll tell a story too…
Can you fling me a few cents to make my day?

Hey, I’m Brian…please notice me.
I’ll make it easy for you,
I don’t have to talk to you…
Will you help me so that I can make my way?

Hey, I’m Brian…I was a child once.
Nobody wanted my brothers or myself.
We were kind of put out on the shelf…
How come we didn’t even get a say?

Hey, I’m Brian…I’m down here.
Sitting cold here on the floor

Brian Rudd (1958-2017)

while you just shop for more…
Will you go back to your house upon the bay?

Hey, I’m Brian…I know I have a soul.
If you look, it’s with distaste
as though I’m some kind of waste…
If you sit with me I won’t make you stay.

Hey, I’m Brian…

© Leonie Cavenagh

 

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Bright lights of Surfers Paradise hide ‘invisible issue’ of homelessness

By Damien Larkins, ABC Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast’s glitter strip is synonymous with tourists, money and parties. But every year more and more homeless people are sleeping rough in the bright, loud and busy area. The 2016 Census showed there were 1,723 homeless people on the Gold Coast, a 27 per cent jump since 2011. Community group Rosies has been helping homeless people on the Gold Coast for more than 30 years. Local coordinator Kathleen Vlasic said it was the very fact Surfers was so busy that drew them and others in need of a helping hand.

“It could be 100 to 200 people. It varies from time to time, it’s not always the same,” Ms Vlasic said.

“They seem to be able to blend in and not be so noticed all the time,” she said. “They can wander through Surfers and they’re not really going to stand out like a sore toe.” Although the main thoroughfares in Surfers are busy, homeless people can always find a quiet nook to hide and get some sleep. It also offers them safe haven from theft, and verbal and physical abuse. “They have to go into where there are shrubs and bushes,” Ms Vlasic said.

“They wouldn’t be allowed to sleep in doorways or where these lights are, they’d be moved on.”

As she makes here way through Surfers, Ms Vlasic stops and talks to people who look like they may have been sleeping rough.

“It’s heart-breaking,” she said.

“Your heart just goes out to them and you think my god there’s just got to something better than this around for them,” she said.  Ms Vlasic offers for them to come to the drop-in centre, where they can get food and a hot drink. The drop-in centres also are a chance for government service providers to make contact with people in need.

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