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”.
Rosies 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).
In our previous edition we introduced Lisa, our new branch coordinator in Beenleigh, who recently helped move us to a new outreach room. Rosies volunteers are working hard to improve our local street van outreach services to those in need. Thanks to their efforts they are doubling the number of patrons they support. The word is definitely getting out there. The branch also teamed up with the team in Logan for a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle to support both branches. Awesome work guys!
The team meets with young people on Fridays from 6.30pm – 8.30pm. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a cuppa, bite to eat, and a chat with our wonderful volunteers. The branch recently trialled an outreach at a new location with the local PCYC. While there were some benefits the team and the PCYC decided that they could best deliver the Rosies mission at the skate park. See us at the skate park.
Our annual ‘Christmas in July’ gathering was held once again for one and all to enjoy. Tables were loaded with blankets and warm clothing (socks, beanies, scarves, jackets etc), hygiene items, dry goods and hot food, soup, pizza, and garlic bread. With about 55 patrons and a number of Rosies’ volunteers in support, a busy time of eating and chatting to old friends and new chums alike. The supply of blankets, beanies and scarves exceeded demand – the balance being repacked and distributed to others in need via The Downs and West Charity group whom Rosies have supported on previous occasions. These items were passed on to Sister Christine just in time for her planned visit to Aboriginal communities in Central Queensland. Those outreach missions were in urgent need of warm clothing for the frosty inland winter. A huge thank you to the local community for their overwhelming support.
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Rosies Toowoomba branch receive wonderful community support including being generously assisted by the South Toowoomba Apex Club. Each month they cook a BBQ for the Sunday outreach with the Club members providing all food and delicious home cooked treats for the enjoyment of our many friends. Recently the Rosies branch was presented with a cheque for $500 from the Apex Club to be used to purchase a fridge/ freezer for the safe storage of food while at outreaches. The President of Apex Georgia Soutar presented the cheque to Annette and Fay (Toowoomba Coordinating Team) at the Apex Changeover Ball. We sincerely thank Apex for their continued support and generous gift.
Find out more about our Toowoomba branch
Ipswich branch received huge support from the local community this Winter! The Catalyst Church Women’s group collected toiletry items for our Ipswich Branch. Members of the Ipswich Catholic Community donated much needed supplies of cordial, biscuits and noodles. Meanwhile, Chalk Electrical held their Winter Warmer promotion to support Rosies and our many friends on the street. Younger groups helped out as well with students from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Social Justice Group raising funds and supplies to support the branch and make a difference. Students at Bremer State High School did their bit as well, donating toiletries and other goods. An excellent demonstration by everyone of what ‘community’ really means. Well done!
Rosies was the charity of choice at the Viva Festival in Surfers Paradise on Sunday, 10 July. Thanks Elvis and the Gospel Choir for an extremely uplifting morning. Thank you to everyone who donated, we raised over $1,000.This amount will keep one of our Rosies’ street outreach vans running for a month. Thank you also to the Surfers Paradise Alliance for nominating Rosies as a charity of choice for your wonderful events.
Find out more about our branches.
Rosies recently worked with the local council to find an alternative venue for our outreach to offer an efficient service to our friends on the street whilst being mindful of local businesses that had expressed concerns over the influx of people in the popular tourist area. All parties agreed on a new location that will satisfy everyone. As a consequence, the Rosies van has now moved to Council Park on Draper Street, Cairns.
St Benedict’s College in Burpengary showed wonderful interest in joining our Student Engagement Program. Helen, our Coordinator in Caboolture, recently made a presentation to the school. She was astonished by the response and motivation of the students and staff members.
