Rosies Branch Coordinators Forum 2017

They are truly an inspiration. Rosies Coordinators provide constant leadership with incredible dedication, invaluable experience and indomitable spirit. They are the glue that keep it all happening and the recognisable face which engenders support in each community.
Coordinators Wendy, Lisa, Margaret, Barry, Fay, Jim, Annette, Sarah, Madison, Helen, Cathy, Carolyn and Lyall came together with staff (Andrew, Cathy, Christian and Lee), Chaplain (Fr John David) and Board Chair, John to share their uniqueness and consolidate their consistency in delivering the mission of Rosies.

Front left to right: Wendy, Cathy B., Margaret, Carolyn, Annette, Andrew. Back left to right: Lee, Madison, Lyall, Fr John David, Faye, Helen, Sarah, Lisa, Cathy L.

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Wynnum Manly – Together, we are stronger

The Rosies Wynnum Manly branch now also outreaches on Monday morning at St Peter’s Anglican Church where those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can receive food vouchers. Rosies is present to share a cuppa, bite to eat, and a chat. We also offer hygiene items to over thirty firends on the street each time. Rosies is gradually becoming known in the Wynnum Manly area, to those who need us most.

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Toowoomba Branch – Ready to roast!

toowoomba-bbq_trailerIt was with great excitement that the Toowoomba branch unveiled its newest acquisition, a barbecue trailer to use at Outreaches. Our friends on the street are very happy with the faster, more efficient cooking, and the reduced waiting time is appreciated in the chilly Toowoomba weather. The barbecue trailer was skillfully customised by David, husband of volunteer, Annette. This has become a great addition to the “team” and Rosies is grateful to have this wonderful asset to improve service to the disadvantaged in Toowoomba. Thanks to the Department of Justice & Attorney General for providing funds.

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Sunshine Coast Branch – A change for good

Our friends at Chilli Jam Café recently traded goods for coffee. Donations, in return for a coffee, were collected over the week long operation to support Rosies Sunshine Coast branch. The generosity of the community went above and beyond all expectations. The Mantra Mooloolaba Beach team also kindly collected hygiene items to support our many friends on the street. Plus the Caloundra District Indoor Bowls Club nominated their local Rosies branch for their charity day on October 30. Thank you everyone! This year, Christmas on the Street will take place on Friday 23, December from 6.00pm.

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Logan Branch – A clean cut for a smile

street-barber-webAsmir is a barber by trade and a ‘street barber’ by heart in Logan. He kindly and generously offers his time and talent to our many friends on the street. A clean cut is one of the ‘little’ things that makes a world of difference for those who often miss out on what most of us take for granted. Asmir, like many volunteers, and community services, gives his time and gift – in return for a smile – to those in need in the community with Rosies.

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Ipswich Branch – A heart of gold

We were astonished to receive a generous donation in the mail by one of our friends Sue. Sue had just celebrated her eightieth birthday. Rather than asking for presents for herself she asked her family and friends to make a donation to Rosies Ipswich branch. What a beautiful heart. Her inspiring idea drove much admiration among her companions who generously gave to support their local community. Thank you Sue, friends and family members alike for offering to those less fortunate an early Christmas. You are all wonderful. And Happy Birthday Sue!

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Gold Coast Branch – Racing for good

Our team on the Gold Coast have clearly noticed an increase in the number of homeless people especially in the last two years. Homelessness can be driven by drugs, alcohol, the lack of affordable housing, mental health issues… “It’s just a huge problem’’, Rosies Gold Coast branch coordinator Wendy recently declared at a number of key events. We are very thankful for the support we receive from the community including local partners such as LJ Hooker who nominated Rosies for the second consecutive year at their Gold Coast Turf Club’s Stakes Day. Thank you!

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Cairns Branch – Community synergy

Handmade items made by the employment agency Workways’ ‘Work for the Dole’ clients were handed over to our Rosies Cairns coordinator, Lyall. This is an amazing example of a great synergy between individuals and organisations. The satisfaction in giving back to the community thrilled many of those who made the items and learned new skills at the same time. Everything has been well used and distributed to our many friends on the street in Far North Queensland.

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Caboolture Branch – a life changing experience

St Eugene Catholic College in Burpengary takes part in our Student Engagement Program. Alisha, one of the students involved, describes it as a life changing experience. The school has been involved with Rosies for the past ten years. It is an eye-opener for many students. They realise the power of listening to people while sharing a cuppa and a bite to eat.
“Prior to arriving at the location where the Rosies Van is set up, I was extremely nervous and I didn’t know what to expect. When we arrived, I felt intimidated at first, but once we started to interact with our friends on the street, you realise that they are just normal people just like you and me. Hearing some of the patron’s stories was really heartbreaking and challenging, and it’s very upsetting knowing that this goes on without any of us knowing about it”.

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Brisbane Branch – Outreaching every day

web-friends-on-the-street-annerleyRosies has been outreaching in Annerley since September. We welcomed our first friends at our new outreach on the very first night (pictured). The branch now outreaches in our capital every day of the week in different locations thanks to the support and engagement of the local community. The Annerley team goes out on Tuesday from 7.00pm-9.00pm at Mary Immaculate Church Annerley and on Thursday morning from 9.00am-11.00am at the Church of Christ Annerley. The remaining days our Brisbane team meet at Emma Miller place in the city from 7.30pm-9.30pm (7.00pm – 9.00pm on Sunday).

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